Did you know that grants of up to £1000 are available for not-for-profit organisations in County Durham that are providing a ‘warm space’ for their community?
Village Halls Week 2023 is celebrating community buildings as ‘warm, welcoming and inclusive spaces’. The cost-of-living crisis coupled with the increase in energy bills has meant many people are struggling to heat their homes this winter. As the weather gets colder, more and more people are turning to their local village hall or community centre as trusted places. Working with Durham County Council, County Durham Community Foundation has grants of up to £1000 available for community groups providing a warm space. Organisations will be expected to adhere to the ‘Warm Spaces Charter’ in order to keep people safe, they will also have to register their ‘warm space’ on Locate so that people looking for somewhere warm will be able to find them. There is more information about the Warm Space charter here The grants can cover any costs related to running the space, including energy bills, staff time, volunteer expenses and activities to run during the dedicated ‘warm space.’ Here at Durham Community Action, we know that trustees and staff at community buildings are keen to make sure that their spaces are not only warm but also safe and welcoming. DCA can provide community buildings with information, advice and guidance around policies and procedures, as well as offering a wide range of fully funded community development courses. If you are planning on hosting a warm space or are already hosting one and would like to network with similar organisations to share ideas, please do come along to our next Online Share and Learn Network meeting during Village Halls Week on Thursday 26th January at 10:00 am. For more details and to book your space, click here Please don’t hesitate to email us if you have any queries about any aspects of Warm Spaces or would like to find out more about funding opportunities related to Warm Spaces. |
