Mid and East Antrim announces plans for a ‘Warm Spaces’ network

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will be working with constituted groups and organisations throughout the area to support a network of ‘Warm Spaces’ this winter.

The scheme is designed to help people as they continue to recover from the impact of Covid and are now dealing with a cost of living crisis.

The Council is offering grants of up to £500 to organisations hosting Warm Spaces for the local community and has appealed to those interested in providing this much needed support to contact them.

Warm Spaces are free to use, warm, safe places where residents can expect a friendly and inclusive welcome. People can attend on their own, or with a friend, and talk to others over a hot drink or maybe a hot meal and be encouraged to stay as long as they like.

Council funding can be used for a variety of warm space-related facilities to benefit the local community, including venue hire costs, cooking equipment such as slow cookers or help towards tea/coffee/biscuit supplies.

It can also be used to organise activities that will help to bring the most vulnerable residents together and boost their mental and emotional health & wellbeing.

For those attending warm space venues, Council will provide information packs with practical advice on keeping safe and warm this winter and there can be further help to find out about more specialist advice and support for any particular issues or challenges they are facing.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, said:

“Within our Borough, we have a strong and proud community, with a tradition of helping and supporting each other.

“Many within our community face a hugely challenging few months ahead and we want to do all we can to help our residents during the winter months.

“We’re keen to work closely with our local partners, building on the work we did during the pandemic, to create a network of Warm Spaces where people can come together, get warm, stay warm and enjoy some company and hot refreshments.

“We’re looking for local organisations and constituted groups to join our programme and will be offering a small grant to help them make a positive difference to our local communities and help residents during this crisis.”

For more information about the scheme and how to get involved visit:

www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/WarmSpacesTo apply for the grant visit: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/grants