AN additional £20,000 is being made available to support “safe and warm spaces” across Torfaen this winter.
The concept of opening up buildings such as church halls and community centres became popular due to concern at rocketing energy prices seen since 2022.
The Welsh Government in June had allocated £51,668 for warm spaces in Torfaen but has now increased that to £72,355.
The Torfaen Voluntary Alliance has been designated, by the borough council, as responsible for allocating the funding and it had already received 30 “viable” bids from community groups intending to host warm spaces which totalled £76,000.
A report by Torfaen Borough Council prevention officer Rachael Lewis said the additional £20,667 could be used to support the groups already in receipt of funding or further expand the programme.
“The additional funding affords the opportunity to extend funding across these proposal as well as the potential to encourage further proposals where needs are identified.”
Torfaen Voluntary Alliance is expected to work closely with the council to ensure the funding supports the objectives of its wellbeing plan and other initiatives such as addressing food poverty.
Warm spaces are intended to be welcoming and available to all in the community with a focus on responding to local needs and should include basic refreshments and snacks as a minimum but could offer a more “substantive” meal where possible.
Other services that could be provided include advice and support on topics from finance to health as well as using digital technology or cultural activities and exercise.
The report said working with Torfaen Vountary Alliance also supports the council’s approach of having community groups responsible for providing services aimed at preventing people from having to rely on statutory services such as health and social services.
Torfaen Voluntary Alliance will be entitled to a maximum of 10 per cent of the funding to cover the distribution and management of the fund.