Over 15 New Forest organisations have received grant funding to set up Warm Spaces for the community this winter.

In October 2022, we announced our Warm Spaces grant for existing organisations to apply for one-off funding to offer a warm welcoming space for residents. Conservative-led NFDC have received applications from various community groups including in Totton, Milford, Lyndhurst, Fordingbridge, Blackfield and Dibden.

Each Warm Space has been allocated between £200 and £1,000 to contribute towards running costs and have committed to being open to the community for a minimum of four hours a week until March 2023.

Long serving Cllr Derek Tipp, said: "It's been uplifting to see so many organisations across the district wanting to open their doors to offer a safe and warm welcome to residents over these winter months. We're delighted to have already supported 16 organisations, with grants totaling £13,220, but we still have funding available to help create more Warm Spaces. I'd encourage any community groups or charities who are considering opening as a Warm Space to get in touch with the Council."

Organisations or groups can apply for funding on our Warm Space grant page, and could include places that already have facilities such as toilets, heating, Wi-Fi, tables and chairs and tea making facilities. This could involve being open on days which they aren't usually, being open for longer or widening the offer to all in need of a Warm Space.

Applications will be assessed taking into account the community reach and impact and will also consider the spaces already identified to ensure a spread of Warm Spaces across the district.

Residents can find a full list of Warm Spaces across the district on the NFDC website.

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