Posted on: Friday 2 December 2022
This week, Torfaen Council has received a Welsh Government grant of £35,132 to support the creation of Warm Hubs in the borough.
The Warm Hub grants will be administered by Torfaen Council and funding will be allocated to support existing or new Warm Hubs that focus on the delivery of:
- 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.”
Small 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 31st March 2023 and demonstrate what they intend to spend the grant on such as running costs, refreshments and equipment costs.
Cllr Fiona 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.
Application forms can be accessed here and TVA will be available to support organisations with developing and completing their applications.
For more information contact Gareth Davies at gareth.davies2@torfaen.gov.uk or call 07971793348.