40 voluntary and community social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across Hull have received funding to provide Warm Spaces and other initiatives during the colder months.
The Cost of Living Community Grants from Hull City Council allow groups to offer advice services to residents alongside Warm Spaces.
These community groups may also offer guidance on how to manage spending and debts, or outgoings on energy and food.
Some locations are also offering fun, social activities in venues spread right across the city, ranging from community centres and church halls to youth centres and libraries.
Funding was awarded via an application process and ensured a diverse range of schemes were successful, including different projects that specifically target and support young people starting to live independently, as well as deaf people, elderly and disabled people.
The grants have been administered by the Hull-based umbrella group Forum, which provides information and support to VCSE organisations.
Pioneering local firm Ideal Heating has also continued its support for residents in its home city by providing an additional funding contribution.
The majority of the funding primarily comes from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund (HSF), which is used in Hull to help the most vulnerable, including through providing Warm Spaces, free school meals during holiday periods, targeted financial assistance for low-income pensioners, and assisting food banks.
The Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, said: “We know how important it is that support is there for those who need it most over the colder months, so it is good news that we are able to support so many vital groups across the city and their important work with this funding.
“Those organisations working on the ground in communities across the city are the ones who have the best understanding of how to put together schemes which will best support local residents.
“Whether it’s providing Warm Spaces, supplying winter clothing and bedding, or visiting people in their homes who can’t get out easily, these schemes will help so many people.
“We have made clear in our Community Plan that we want to see a healthier and fairer Hull, and it’s good that these grants will be spread out across the city, both in terms of locations but also the specific groups of people being targeted for help.”
Stevie Spinks, Divisional Sales Director for Social Housing (North) at Ideal Heating, said: “It’s inspiring to see so many community organisations across Hull receiving the funding they need to support residents this winter.
“As a business rooted in the city for more than a century, we know that a warm, welcoming place and a friendly face can make a huge difference – especially for those who may be struggling with rising costs or feeling isolated.
“By supporting these grants, we’re proud to play a small part in helping local groups provide that lifeline, whether it’s through Warm Spaces, practical advice, or simply bringing people together in their communities.”
You can find out more about venues that are offering services this winter, including Warm Spaces, via My Maps on the My Hull section of the Hull City Council website.
Select ‘Warm Spaces’ in ‘Local Information’.
There’s also lots of help and advice available ahead of the winter via Home – Hull Warm Homes.
To find out more about Cost of Living support visit Cost of Living | Hull.
