With the deadline to apply approaching, charities, community and voluntary groups still have time to claim up to £1,000 to help them support people this winter.
So far we have awarded more than £93,000 to 107 groups to help create spaces to help residents feeling lonely or struggling to heat their homes.
The cash can be used to cover running costs, including energy bills and to provide a drink or a bite to eat for visitors.
In return, organisations need to pledge to provide a warm, safe space with comfortable seating which is free to use.
Kings Road Area neighbourhood watch in Sandiacre used its £1,000 grant towards heating costs at its friendship hubs which provide welcoming spaces for up to 50 people a week.
Group spokesman Tony Ford said:
“Every session offers a free take-away food stall and we run a free café with hot drinks and snacks. We hold frequent talks, activities or lunches.
“We help with computer and phone use and we have free wifi and computers that people can use.”
One visitor commented:
“Very friendly and helpful. Lots of good advice” while another wrote: “Thank you for everything. Thank you so much for helping me and my family.”
Urging organisations to apply before the 1 March 2024 deadline, Councillor Carol Hart, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said:
“We know it’s hard for some people to make ends meet and loneliness can be a real issue for those who are on their own.
“Warm and Welcoming Spaces offer an opportunity for people to socialise, get information to help them deal with the cost of living, enjoy a warm drink and perhaps a bite to eat.
“I’d like to thank Derbyshire’s amazing network of charities, community and voluntary organisations for their work to support Derbyshire residents.”
The £150,000 warm and welcoming space grant fund has come from Government money given to all local authorities to support communities during and after the COVID pandemic.
If you would like an application form, email grants@derbyshire.gov.uk. The deadline to apply is 1 March 2024.
Read more about the warm and welcoming spaces, including where to find them across Derbyshire.
All of our libraries are warm and welcoming spaces and people are welcome to visit during the library’s published opening hours to get warm, read a book or use the free Wi-Fi.