Inverclyde Council’s depute leader has said winter can be an “incredibly tough” time for residents as its warm spaces initiative enters a fifth year.
Councillor Natasha McGuire stressed the importance of the Warm Hand of Friendship programme as the £140,000 fund opened for 2026/27 last week.
Community organisations that deliver grassroots activities as the temperatures plummet can now apply for one-off grants of up to £3,000.
Councillor McGuire said: “Winter can be incredibly tough for families and individuals whether that’s because of increasing heating costs, social isolation or both.
“There are a lot of community groups and organisations who want to provide events and support in the cold, dark months but they can find this financially challenging.
“These are just some of the reasons Inverclyde’s Warm Hand of Friendship is so important and has been so successful.
“Warm Hand of Friendship provides opportunities for people to access warm spaces where they can find community together.”
Launched in 2022, the local authority has distributed close to £375,000 to dozens of community organisations through the fund and supported thousands of residents during the winter.
The initiative is open to the likes of community centres, churches, sports clubs, and other groups, to apply for funding towards events and activities that provide people with access to warm spaces and practical advice.
It also helps tackle social isolation and provides financial assistance to a variety of organisations.
In September 2024, the council committed £560,000 from its anti-poverty fund to extend the programme until 2027.
The closing date for applications for 2026/27 is Monday, October 26, with funds expected to be distributed in late December.
Thereafter, bids will be considered as and when submitted and funding provided as soon as possible until the pot is used up.
