Community warm spaces
Posted on Tuesday 23rd January 2024
Community groups across Newport have received grants from the city council to help them run warm spaces this winter.
To date, 16 grants have been awarded to organisations offering a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment to residents who may be struggling to heat homes or who are at risk of isolation.
In partnership with GAVO, more than £35,000 has already been given using funding from the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).
It follows the success of a similar scheme last year when grants were given to 21 groups who delivered 448 sessions, attended by more than 6,300 people.
Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of Newport City Council, said: “I would like to thank all the community organisations who are running these invaluable sessions for residents.
“This is just one of the ways that we are supporting organisations and residents during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
“There is an incredible amount of good work across the city with support being provided by our staff and partners. This has included free holiday activities for families; providing shopping vouchers; Newport Live memberships and pantomime tickets for carers and financial assistance to food banks.”
Councillor Debbie Harvey, cabinet member for community wellbeing, said: “It is fantastic to see such a great range of provision for residents. They are all offering a warm welcome and much more besides.
“They are at the heart of their communities and I’m pleased that we have been able to use SPF money to help them make such a difference to residents who may be struggling with their finances or isolation.”
Organisations can apply for a grant of up to £2,499 to help provide a warm space. https://www.gavo.org.uk/post/funding-for-newport-warm-spaces
The scheme is being funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.
The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
To find out more about cost-of-living support and advice from the council and partners visit www.newport.gov.uk/support
If you have an enquiry, you can also email [email protected] and it will be passed to one of our teams or another organisation that we think may be able to help, or call 01633 656656.