A fund has been set up for groups helping the vulnerable stay warm this winter. 

The Warm Herts Fund, a Hertfordshire Community Foundation scheme, will be awarded to groups providing a warm place for residents to come and take a break from the cold, while also connecting and communicating with others during the winter months. 

Support groups opening their doors to those who are vulnerable or have been affected by the cost of living crisis will be eligible.

Hertfordshire County Council has made this funding - up to £2,000 - a possibility along with the ten district councils that are a part of the Government's Household Support Fund.  

This scheme will help community groups join the network of safe, trusted places that residents can go to. 

Charities, community and voluntary groups and not for profit organisations can apply for the funding if they are based in Hertfordshire, if they run a venue, such a community centre or village hall, if it has a Safeguarding policy that covers the activities you want funded, along with a policy covering COVID and infectious diseases and an up-to-date Risk Assessment. 

The fund will help with anything that offers a welcoming warm environment along with extra energy costs, staff time, volunteer expenses, venue hire, free subsidised drink and food, training and other relevant costs. 

If you are successful with your application you can register on the HCC Warm Spaces directory so that people can find you easily and check out the services your group offers.

You can also go to the directory and find a range of useful resources that can support you in running your Warm Space along with links to policies, advice and training.

To apply for the Warm Space fund, go to https://tinyurl.com/bdcepwsm or contact grants@hertscf.org.uk  to check if you or your organisation are eligible.