Inverclyde Council opens funding applications to support residents in winter months

Community organisations can now bid for Inverclyde Council funding aimed at supporting residents as temperatures prepare to plummet during the winter months.

Groups have been invited to apply for a grant from the local authority’s Warm Hand of Friendship initiative, a programme that provides people with access to warm spaces, food and social connection.

A total of £120,000 has been set aside each year for the next three years, so thousands of people can continue to benefit from the scheme, after a recent decision of the policy and resources committee.

On Friday, the council announced: “Inverclyde’s Warm Hand of Friendship 2024/25 opened on Thursday, October 10, during Challenge Poverty Week.

“Applications submitted by 5pm on Thursday, October 31, will be assessed prior to the Christmas period.

“Thereafter, applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until all the funding is awarded.

“Grants will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.”

The project has helped almost 60 organisations to deliver crucial services – from safe warm spaces and clothing distribution to meal provision and activities – during the winter period over the last two years.

It launched in 2022 in response to the cost-of-living crisis and funding was approved to continue it for another three years at a committee last month.

A report by Ruth Binks, corporate director for education, communities and organisational development, said at the time: “Inverclyde Council has provided financial support for the Warm Hand of Friendship initiative for the past two winter periods, successfully supporting 58 local community organisations to deliver essential community services during the winter period … Over 9,000 individuals benefitted from the Warm Hand of Friendship initiative.

“There was a focus on prioritising vulnerable groups including lone parent families, families with multiple children and older adults.

“Data collection revealed that the initiative helped address the difficult choice between food and heating, fostered social connections and even led to the formation of lasting friendships and establishing support networks within the community.”

More information about the scheme, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, is available at inverclyde.gov.uk/warmspaces.