the the cost of living and rising energy bills affecting so many, its interesting to see where so many people have gathered to try and help.
Twenty-six community-run ‘Warm Spaces’ been awarded grants from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Community Contribution Fund. The council has also set up a directory – upon which communities can register – to show where help is available.
The scheme enables residents to make voluntary donations to support local communities and reduce inequalities across Bath and North East Somerset.
This year, with Warm Spaces being established across the district, it was agreed that the Fund should support them with grants of £250. A cross party panel of elected members assessed the applications, with grants awarded to Warm Spaces being run by:
- Age UK Bath and North East Somerset
- All Saints Church, Weston
- Bath Abbey
- Bathford Village Shop & Café
- Chew & Yeo Baptist Network
- Community at 67, Keynsham
- GLL Keynsham
- Keynsham Methodist Church
- Little Lost Robot CIC, Twerton, Bath
- Love Weston Cafe
- New Oriel Hall, Larkhall
- Percy Community Centre, Bath
- Radstock Town Council
- Saltford Sports Club
- St Andrew’s Community Church, Foxhill, Bath
- St Dunstan’s Catholic Church, Keynsham
- St John’s Church, Keynsham
- St Luke’s Church, Wellsway, Bath
- The Crown, Keynsham
- The Hive, Peasedown St John
- Timsbury Community Library
- Waffles On Walcot Café at St Swithin’s Church, Bath
- Weston Welcome Café
- Whitchurch United Reformed Church
- Wild About Community, Keynsham
- Youth Connect South West
The council has also set up a directory of Warm Spaces on its Livewell website.
Councillor Richard Samuel, deputy leader and cabinet member for Resources said: “I’d like to thank residents for their generosity. As the cost of living rises, it’s vital we continue to support those working to reduce inequalities and improve the lives of the most disadvantaged in our communities.”
The Community Contribution scheme has proved so successful it’s being extended for a further year. An invitation to contribute to the fund has accompanied the Council Tax bills sent to residents in March. Contributions are purely voluntary and separate to residents’ Council Tax contributions. The minimum contribution is £5, however there is no maximum contribution and residents can donate more than once.
Every penny donated to the Community Contribution Fund supports local projects to improve people’s lives, particularly those in our most disadvantaged communities
The intention is to open the fund to charities, voluntary and community groups for a third funding round in Autumn 2023, should sufficient funds be raised.
To find out more, or to make a contribution visit the Community Contribution Fund webpage.
