GRANTS of up to £500 are available for organisations across Malvern Hills District which provide warm spaces to help people cut their energy bills, writes Poppy Chambers.
Since the funding stream was launched, a total of £5,400 has been allocated to 15 separate groups.
Among them are Tenbury Town Council, Malvern Town Football Club, Upton Baptist Church, Malvern Cube, Malvern Cube Projects, Welland Parish Council, MAGGs Day Centre and Kempsey Promotions CIC.
Hanley Castle Parish Council, Suckley SPACE, Malvern Vale Community Centre, YMCA Worcestershire, Upton Stitchery Ltd, Martley Memorial Hall and Bar Limon have also received cash.
A Warm Spaces Charter has been formed for the organisations involved. The document is aimed at helping people, highlighting where the warm spaces can be found and what they offer.
Users will be welcomed with respect, dignity and warmth when they arrive.
Coun Natalie McVey, Malvern Hills District Council’s portfolio holder for housing and health said they were pleased to be providing the funding to help set up or improve warm spaces in the community.
“There are lots of people who are struggling to heat their homes this winter and this not only has a physical effect but also an effect on their wellbeing.
“Warm spaces provide a safe haven for people to enjoy some warmth at no cost but to also meet people and socialise.”
Coun John Gallagher, the council’s poverty champion, echoed the comments about warm spaces being brilliant for meeting new people and socialising.
And he added: “Reducing isolation and loneliness is a priority of the council and warm spaces provide a supportive and friendly environment, with food and drink to enjoy.”
These newly created or refurbished areas are free, secure and are promoted as a supportive environment for local residents to communicate with each other, enjoy a hot drink, and stay warm as it progresses into the colder seasons.
Organisations can email the community team at [email protected] for more information about the Warm Welcome grant.
Visit malvernhills.gov.uk/support for more information about the support available across the district.
