An initiative that provides Inverclyde residents with access to warm spaces, food and social connection will be extended until 2028 – if councillors approve the move next week.
The Warm Hand of Friendship fund was established in 2022 to offer financial support to community organisations delivering grassroots activities during the colder months.
The programme aims to strengthen community resilience by enabling organisations to respond to local need, reduce isolation and help people experiencing poverty and inequalities.
Elected members will be asked to rubber-stamp an allocation of £140,000 for the project at a meeting of the council’s policy and resources committee on Tuesday afternoon.
A report by the interim director of culture, communities and educational resources explained: “It is proposed that the Warm Hand of Friendship initiative continues as a community-based service, providing food, access to support services and a safe, welcoming space for local people to meet, socialise and build connections.
“The approach supports prevention and contributes to tackling poverty through strengthened community resilience and earlier access to support.
“Inclusive Communities will continue to facilitate regular workshops with delivery partners to review what is working, identify areas for improvement and ensure support remains aligned to community need.
“Early evidence indicates sustained engagement and improved access to services beyond the winter months.
“This will form part of an ongoing cycle of evaluation and engagement, ensuring Warm Hand of Friendship remains place-based and continues to build relationships with the communities it serves.
“The aim will now be to extend the project until June 2028.”
Last winter, £112,000 was distributed to 75 organisations, supporting more than 7,000 people across Inverclyde, with most attendees being families and adults over the age of 65.
The report added: “Feedback gathered through the monitoring and evaluation process, including a community celebration event held in April with over 20 funded organisations, highlighted the value of extending the programme from September to June and continuing to invest in welcoming community spaces that provide practical support, activities, community connection and access to food and refreshments in response to community demand.”
