Praise for ‘safe and welcoming’ warm hubs for city residents

Nicholas Thomas Local Democracy Reporter

As freezing temperatures hit Newport, residents have been urged to make the most of grant funding to set up ‘warm hubs’ for their communities.

Grants of up to £2,400 are available until the end of March under the Newport Warm Spaces project, organised by GAVO and the city council.

Around 6,300 people attended warm hubs during a similar scheme in the city last winter.

Grants

The grants are open to organisations offering a “safe, welcoming and comfortable environment” for people who may be struggling to heat their homes or feeling isolated.

City council leader Jane Mudd said she “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”, she added, noting help for food banks, holiday activities for families, and leisure memberships for carers.

To date, 16 grants have been awarded as part of this year’s Newport Warm Spaces scheme, and more than £35,000 has been allocated to groups taking part.

That follows 21 grants handed out last year to groups who delivered 448 sessions, attended by more than 6,300 people.

Welcoming

Debbie Harvey, the cabinet member for community wellbeing, said it was “fantastic to see such a great range of provision for residents”.

“They are all offering a warm welcome and much more besides,” Cllr Harvey added. “They are at the heart of their communities and I’m pleased that we have been able to use [UK Government] Shared Prosperity Fund money to help them make such a difference to residents who may be struggling with their finances or isolation.”

Organisations can apply before March 31 for a grant of up to £2,400 to help provide a warm space.

Visit the GAVO website for more information.

There is also information on warm spaces in Newport on the city council’s website