Media release: £10k funding available to help keep residents warm and fed this winter

The donations will be used to support food and energy costs and running costs for community spaces providing warm spaces across Cheltenham.

As a result, #WarmCheltenham is inviting Cheltenham based organisations to apply for a grant, of up to £500, which can be used to provide support in one or more of the following areas: 

• To support the ongoing running costs of a new or existing warm space provision e.g., venue expenses, refreshments or for providing wellbeing activities
• To provide warm provisions for people such as blankets and clothing
• To provide emergency top up vouchers such as those used for pre-payment energy meters or for mobile phone data
• To provide emergency food vouchers.

Cllr Flo Clucas, member for safety and communities, said:” I’m so proud to see so many community organisations across our town embrace #WarmCheltenham and offer their spaces to people who might not be able to keep themselves warm this winter. We know how difficult the next few months are going to be, and these providers face rising demands for their services at the same time as they tackle rising food and energy costs.

“Through the generous donations of the public, #WarmCheltenham will be awarding grants of up to £500 to organisations offering essential support to the residents of Cheltenham who are most in need.

“We strongly encourage organisations to apply for this grant to allow them to continue to provide these essential facilities for residents. We’re launching this grant now, so that help can be provided during the winter months, when access to healthy food and warm spaces will be needed the most. Together, we are Cheltenham.”

Emma Wall, executive director, Cheltenham Borough Homes, said: “Thanks to the generous donations of the public, we are delighted to launch these grants for voluntary and community sector groups, social enterprises, public sector organisations and schools. We recognise the incredible hard work being done by these groups for those in our local communities who need it the most. 

“The grants will help support these organisations who work closely with the people of Cheltenham to alleviate the cost of living crisis, and we would strongly encourage them to apply.”

Grant applications open from 14 December and will only close when all £10,000 funding has been allocated. Grants will be given on a first come first served basis.

Applications received will be reviewed by representatives from Cheltenham Borough Council and Cheltenham Borough Homes.

For more information and to apply visit the application form for grants.

Visit our website for advice and guidance to help you through the rising cost of living.

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264231, email [email protected]

Notes:

1. #Warmcheltenham is a partnership of community-based organisations including:

• Cheltenham Borough Homes
• Cheltenham Borough Council
• Cheltenham Food Bank
• Springbank Community Group
• Cornerstone Centre
• West Cheltenham Partnership

2. The project aim is to offer spaces to people who might not be able to keep themselves warm during winter.