WITH severe weather warnings for snow and ice in place across the country and temperatures falling, the Co-op is increasing the flow of funds to community groups through its £1 million ‘Warm Spaces’ funding boost.
The aim is to provide further urgent support to local community organisations as they help communities navigate rising energy costs during the cold winter months.
A number of groups operate “warm space” initiatives in the Warrington area
All community groups with live fundraising campaigns as part of the fund have been given £500 from Co-op to help them reach their fundraising goal and all new groups who sign up will also receive a £500 payment to kick-start fundraising.
Eligible groups who already provide a warm space and want to increase opening times or extend existing services or activities this winter can apply for match funding – up to £5,000 per group is available by applying at coop.uk/warmspaces by February 28 (fundraising to be completed by March 31).
Since launching the match funding platform with Crowdfunder six weeks ago in December more than £240,000 has been paid out by Co-op to help 300 groups provide warm spaces in communities across the UK.
This funding comes as a welcome boost, with insight from more than 3,000 local community causes across the UK showing that nearly two-thirds of projects have experienced a shortfall in funding over the past 12 months. Over three-quarters of local causes have seen an increase in demand, particularly those providing support for people through the cost-of-living crisis.
Over a quarter of community projects said they were considering having to reduce services as a result of shortfalls in funding, whilst more than a tenth of local projects have already closed or reduced services.
Projects that can apply might include, a community cafe that needs funding to continue offering their building as a warm space; a local village support group wanting to extend existing activities to support more people in their community; a community fridge, wanting to promote their services more widely to meet an increasing need or a youth group whose energy costs have increased.
Rebecca Birkbeck, director of Community and Member Participation at Co-op commented: “As the mercury drops and conditions turn icy this week, with more in the forecast, it’s important to remember the vital work that community groups and organisations are providing to people across the UK at a time when it’s most needed.. As our Co-op research shows, we have a huge role to play in supporting these vital services that help during the cost-of-living crisis.
“I’d encourage groups to apply for our Warm Spaces Funding now and make use of the additional £500 funding as well as the match funding from Co-op so they can help to provide warm spaces to people in their community.
“Funding for warm spaces forms part of our response to our community missions of access to food, mental well-being support and opportunities for young people. Launching this funding boosts will help groups keep their lights and heating on as they bring communities together to keep warm in the coldest months of the year– increasing overall well-being. It may also mean people don’t have to choose between accessing food or heating this winter. Plus, having a warm space allows the community to take a break from their everyday worries, improving their mental well-being.
“The £1m funding boost wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for our members choosing Co-op and raising funds to support communities every time they shop with us. Our customers and members can help even more by donating through Crowdfunder or take part by using the services that are being funded.”
