Community groups and organisations in Torfaen can apply for a grant to start or continue to run Warm Hubs.
A warm hub is a venue that opens its doors to welcome anyone in to socialise, have a drink or snack, or get advice and support. They are popping up across the country as the rising cost of fuel makes it more expensive for households to heat their homes.
Torfaen Council has received a Welsh Government grant of £35,132 to support warm hubs in the borough.
The council will use the grant to support existing or new hubs that offer:
- basic refreshments, snacks and a meal if possible
- opportunities to socialise
- advice and support on financial matters, health and well-being or digital inclusion.
- activities such as exercise, arts and cultural activities.
Torfaen’s executive member for communities, Cllr Fiona Cross, said: “Warm Hubs should be places where residents are provided with a welcoming, safe and warm environment that everyone can access.
“Within Torfaen we have several venues already providing warmth and a mix of support to residents. We want to support these hubs and also look to set up new hubs where there is unmet demand.
“The council will look to extend work with the third sector and community partners who are well placed to understand local needs, and design and the local offer. There may also be a role for the private sector locally who may wish to support Hubs.
“Where possible, Warm Hubs should link up and complement activities which engage people within their communities or with young people during school holidays to ensure an integrated approach to tackling poverty or the cost of living.”
Torfaen Council’s Head of Communities, Bethan McPherson said: “We will work with organisations who already provide support to communities such as the Torfaen Voluntary Alliance (TVA) who are hosting the Opening Doors project linked to the Connecting Torfaen grant though the WG Connected Communities fund. The project encourages opportunities for people to connect, build new friendships and improve feelings of belonging and involvement within their communities through accessing their local hubs.”
Grants of around £2000 will be made available to applicants that meets the criteria. Applicants will need to complete a short online application form and indicate how they plan to operate the warm hub for the period up until 31 March 2023 and demonstrate what they intend to spend the grant on such as running costs, refreshments and equipment costs.
Cllr Cross added: “The application form will be online and easy to complete, but each applicant must ensure our key criteria are considered. We now want groups and organisations to come forward so we can assess demand and ensure we have a good spread of hubs across the borough.”
All successful warm hub applicants will be registered on Connect Torfaen and highlighted on the interactive map to help promote what each hub will offer.
Apply for a grant
Click here for the online application form. Staff from Torfaen Voluntary Alliance can help you apply if needed.
More information
Email Gareth Davies at [email protected] or call 07971793348.
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