Applicants can apply for up to £1000 to support projects that provide a warm space, focusing on supporting those most in need.
If your warm space is open:

• 2 days a week or less: you can apply for up to £500
• 3-5 days a week: you can apply for up to £750
• 6-7 days a week: you can apply for up to £1000 

The third round of the grant scheme will run from Monday 23 December 2024 to 11.59pm Sunday 19 January 2025. Decisions will be made within a 14-day period from the date of application closure.
This small grant programme has been set up for local organisations and groups within the voluntary, community, and faith sector, as well as for parish and town councils, to support the creation and improvement of warm and welcoming spaces for residents amidst the rising cost of living, focussing on those most in need.
Warm spaces are held in a range of venues across Lancashire and offer a warm, safe, and welcoming space for people to spend time in. Every warm space is different. Many provide basic refreshments such as tea and coffee, some host activities like keeping fit and crafting, while others provide computers, additional services and signposting.
Although there is no requirement to provide all of these, as a minimum we expect a warm space to be:

• heated
• free to use - and for it to be clear to people that they can use the space for free
• inclusive and non-judgmental - where everyone can expect a warm welcome from staff and volunteers
• part of a series of regular openings - rather than occasional short-term events

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Further details on eligibility and the application process is available via the dedicated 'Lancashire warm spaces' section in our Cost of Living Hub: Cost of living support - Lancashire County Council.
 
The Lancashire warm spaces online directory – a publicly-facing map helping residents to search for their nearest warm space is also available.
 
Should you have any questions about this year's Initiative, please do not hesitate to contact us via warmspaces@lancashire.gov.uk. This mailbox will be open during normal office hours and we will aim to get back to you as soon as possible.

Successful applicants will work in partnership with local stakeholders to engage underserved communities, reduce health inequalities, and support the NHS’s objectives for early cancer detection.
There is also an emphasis on projects that will provide targeted support for people and communities who face the greatest health inequalities – in line with the NHS’s Core20Plus5 framework – including (but not exhaustive):
People living in disadvantaged communities, based on the index of multiple deprivation;
Black and ethnic minority people;
LGBTQ+ people;
People with a disability, including learning disabilities;
People with severe mental illness;
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People experiencing homelessness;

People in the criminal justice system;

However, organisations proposing to deliver these specific initiatives must demonstrate an established track record of working with these communities and justify their suitability to deliver the project.