Community groups across Chesterfield are being invited to apply for funding to support new or existing ‘warm and welcoming spaces’ that will help local residents this winter.
Grants of up to £750 are available to support local charities, voluntary organisations, community groups or community venues to set up new warm hubs or contribute towards the costs of existing spaces.
The Warm and Welcoming Spaces are designed to provide support for local people through the winter months – offering a welcoming place to socialise whilst enjoying a hot drink and joining in with activities.
A number of community spaces are already up and running in the borough, delivered by a range of partners and organisations – and the Chesterfield Health and Wellbeing Partnership, which receives its funding from Public Health at Derbyshire County Council, has once again agreed to provide further financial support ahead of this winter.
The additional funding will be used to set up new locations across Chesterfield and allow existing spaces to continue operating.
Councillor Judy Staton, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance, said: “We’re lucky to have a strong and supportive community network in Chesterfield that will once again be working together this winter to ensure all our communities are supported.
“Thanks to funding from the Chesterfield Health and Wellbeing Partnership we are once again able to reach out to local charities, community groups and community venues and invite them to apply for funding that will either help with the cost of existing groups, or to set up a new space in the borough.
“These spaces are so valuable in our communities as they also create new ways for people to connect with one another, and access support and advice.”
Grants are available to eligible voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations and community-led groups in Chesterfield borough, for the creation or improvement of warm and welcoming spaces for local communities. Grants could be spent on a variety of project costs including:
- Additional energy costs
- Furniture and improvement to facilities
- Additional staffing costs to cover extended hours
- Additional cleaning costs to ensure compliance with health protection guidance
- Activities and refreshments
- Additional activity costs
The deadline for applications is Friday 30 October.
The grant is being co-ordinated locally by Chesterfield Borough Council.
Derbyshire County Council’s Warm and Welcoming Spaces Grant, administered by Derbyshire Voluntary Action, is also running alongside this programme. Organisations are welcome to apply to both funding programmes where appropriate. The teams will work together to coordinate applications and ensure there is no duplication of funding for the same activities or costs and that successful applicants are only funded from one programme.
For more information on eligibility criteria or to request an application form please contact Wendy Blunt at Chesterfield Borough Council on wendy.blunt@chesterfield.gov.uk or call 01246 959657, or Helen Marples at Derbyshire County Council on helen.marples@derbyshire.gov.uk
