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Warm Welcome Spaces are safe and comfortable places where people can come together to take part in activities, access services, get practical advice and support as well as meet new people. Each Warm Welcome Space may look different; they may offer activities, support or even hot food and drinks. All Warm Welcome Spaces will be open to everyone.

Building on the success of last winter’s Warm Spaces funding grant, which supported 26 community projects and more than 6500 people, the council would like to invite funding applications from community organisations to be able to offer support and practical assistance to those in need this winter.

Organisations seeking this funding will need to consider what else they can provide to people using the spaces. Whether that’s advice and support sessions, activities, learning about new things, or food and refreshments. The panel considering the applications will be looking for the “added value” organisations are able to offer.

At a minimum, Warm Welcome Spaces supported through this grant will be places where people are provided with a welcome, accessible, safe and warm environment. The focus should be on identifying and delivering to local people, and where possible, should complement other activities which engage people within their communities.

Councillor Jo Hale, Neath Port Talbot Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services & Health, said: "We are committed to ensuring that everyone in our community has a place to go for warmth and support during the winter months. Warm Welcome Spaces provide not only a refuge from the cold but also a chance to connect with others, access vital services, and participate in activities.

“We strongly encourage community organisations that offer a warm and welcoming space to get in touch.”

Councillor Simon Knoyle, Neath Port Talbot Council's Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance & Social Justice, said: "Our communities are at the heart of everything we do.

“We are committed to finding ways to support our residents, and the grant to deliver Warm Welcome Spaces is a prime example of this commitment."

If you have any queries, please contact the team by emailing warmwelcomespaces@npt.gov.uk .

Please use the following link for the full guidance criteria and application for funding. https://forms.office.com/e/tGuRjJjNHP       

Neath Port Talbot’s Warm Welcome Spaces has received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.