Applications are invited for Hull City Council and partners’ Affordable Warmth and Energy Saving Community Grants scheme.
Launched on Monday 10 July, it offers grants to voluntary organisations such charities, faith groups and residents’ associations to help people keep warm and well over the winter months.
The scheme is supported by businesses in the city and this year the partnership is delighted to welcome sponsorship from Hull-based Ideal Heating, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of heating solutions such as boilers, hot water cylinders and heating controls.
Administration of the grants scheme is by Forum, an umbrella organisation working with the voluntary sector based in Hull.
The partnership is offering the opportunity for voluntary organisations to take part in accredited training for their staff and volunteers so they can offer advice to residents about saving money on energy costs, such as applying for energy discounts for which they may qualify for or making simple changes about how they use energy in their homes.
In addition, voluntary organisations in the city, which are best placed to know the needs of local residents, are invited to bid for grants from £1,000 to £12,000 for projects which support residents to stay warm and healthy over the winter.
A similar scheme last year saw a wide range of successful bids, with projects as diverse as the provision of warm clothing banks, running social activities in a designated Warm Space, courses to help people cook healthy, hot food on a budget and providing low energy-consumption air fryers and slow cookers.
Cllr Jack Haines, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for Neighbourhoods and Area Teams, said: “We may be enjoying the warm, sunny weather now, but we need to plan for the wintery weather to come.
“With the cost-of-living crisis showing little sign of abating, I am delighted that we can offer the scheme for a second year, and to welcome Ideal Heating on board.
“As the temperatures drop, weather-related health and well-being problems increase, particularly among our more vulnerable residents. This scheme can provide them with much needed comfort and support, and I urge local organisations to get involved.”
“Projects will run to the end of March 2024. The money for the projects is provided by the Household Support Fund from the Department of Work and Pensions and is supplemented by business donations.”
Stevie Spinks, Divisional Sales Director for Ideal Heating said, “Many people in the city are facing challenging times. As a long-established Hull company, we see ourselves as an integral part of the local community and we are proud to help by supporting this initiative.”
Information about how to make an application or seek further details is available here. The closing date for applications is Monday 14 August.
Businesses which are interesting in donating or supporting this or similar activities should contact business.support@hullcc.gov.uk
