Community organisations can now apply for Inverclyde Council funding which aims to support residents as temperatures start to drop this winter.
The £120,000 pot offers grants of up to £3,000 to help set up initiatives, including offering warm spaces and hot food, during the colder months.
Last year, 60 organisations from across the local authority took part in the programme as they contributed to making a “big difference” in people’s lives.
Council leader Stephen McCabe said: “Winter can be a difficult time for people with the cold weather and short days making them feel more isolated.
“Giving this money straight to community groups means it goes where it’s needed and where it can have the biggest impact.
“This Challenge Poverty Week, we’re delighted to open the fund again for new applications and know it will make a real difference to people.
“We’ve had very positive feedback over the last few years with people saying what a big difference it’s made to go somewhere warm, get a hot drink or food and to be with other people.”
A community information workshop on the fund is taking place from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Friday, October 10, at Port Glasgow Community Hub.
The event will allow community organisations to hear about the funding available, share learning and experience from previous projects and work together to explore how best to communicate activities more widely.
The Warm Hand of Friendship initiative was first established in 2022.
In September 2024, the policy and resources committee agreed to commit £120,000 per year for the next three years so the project can support communities until March 2027.
The closing date for applications is Monday, October 27, with funds set to be distributed in December.
