York organisations invited to apply for Good Place, Warm Place funding

Organisations running Warm Places in York to support local people through the coldest months, are invited to apply for up to £5,000 funding from a £40,000 fund over the next few weeks [until 5 October].

With support from last year’s Good Place, Warm Place grant, 22 Warm Places opened their doors to local residents last winter for a minimum of two hours each week, offering a warm refuge for people struggling to heat their own homes or those who need company and support in a warm and safe location.

Some Warm Places offer advice and information to help residents with the cost of living, including maximising their income, how to save on bills, and where to get good, safe advice. They also offer hot drinks and refreshments, and some offer hot meals.

Community hubs operating as warm spaces have been shown to provide tangible improvements to residents’ health and wellbeing – both mental and physical – a reduction in social isolation, enabling further awareness of essential services such as financial support, and generating an enhanced sense of community.

Last year, organisations used Good Place, Warm Place grants to fund a range of essential services and products. This included paying for food supplies, equipment for food preparation and service, and contributions towards running costs such as heating bills.

Cllr Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion, said:  “York’s Warm Places have offered a welcome lifeline to so many people in our local communities over the last few years. I know just how important they are, particularly for those who are at home all day and live alone. I’d urge organisations to consider applying for the funding so we can work together to support even more people in our communities.”

Any organisation that has or is considering offering a Warm Place this winter, can request an application form by emailing: shapingneighbourhoods@york.gov.uk, or by asking your local ward’s Community Officer for an application form.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 5 October.