Funding available for warm spaces this winter

Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations that work directly with local people in Hull are being encouraged to apply for Affordable Warmth grants to provide warm spaces and other similar initiatives.

Short-term grants of up to £7,500 are being offered, via the Household Support Fund (HSF), which is funded by the Department of Work and Pensions.

VCSE organisations are being encouraged to provide warm spaces out of hours, at evenings and weekends.

The grants would also enable them to provide support to residents to manage their household spending on energy, and cope with the cost of living.

Local company Ideal Heating is supplementing the funding made available by Hull City Council.

The grant scheme is being administered by Forum CIO, an organisation that facilitates the voluntary and community sector in Yorkshire and the Humber.

The Deputy Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Jackie Dad, said: "We realise it will be another tough winter for some people in the city, and we want to do what we can to make things a bit easier.

"There are a good number of organisations that are already doing great work that could benefit from this money.

"If your organisation can help keep people warm or help them save energy, there could be a grant available for you."

For guidance on the grants, and more details on how to apply, visit https://northbankforum.org.uk/funding/the-affordable-warmth-small-grants/

The deadline for applications is Monday 9 December, and successful applicants would receive funding covering a period between Wednesday 1 January and Monday 31 March 2025.

For more information on help with the cost of living in Hull, visit https://www.hull.gov.uk/cost-living-support-1/cost-living