More funding for groups thanks to Warm Hand of Friendship grants
A further seven community groups have received a funding boost from the second year of the council’s Warm Hand of Friendship initiative.
Groups from across Inverclyde could apply for up to £3k of the £100,000 fund to help them put on regular groups, events and activities in their community.
A total of £9,380 has been allocated across the seven groups, leaving a balance of £1,054 after 50 grants were awarded last December.
The money is going towards groups providing warm spaces, hot food and a friendly space to get-together.
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council and convener of the policy and resources committee which agreed the funding in November, said: “It is great news that we have been able to help another round of community groups.
“The feedback from the first Warm Hand of Friendship scheme last winter showed what a difference it made to community groups and residents who benefitted from a range of events, activities and advice.
“Last year we helped 44 community groups. This year’s round of funding has already exceeded that with 57 groups receiving support.
“I would like to thank council officers for their quick turnaround of the scheme and making sure this money benefits as many people in our communities as possible.”
The inaugural Warm Hand of Friendship scheme provided 51 grants to 44 community groups and supported just over 10,000 people across nearly 1,300 sessions between October 2022 and March 2023.
After the success of the first initiative, a total of £100,000 was agreed to be allocated from the council’s anti-poverty fund in November last year.
In December, 50 grants were awarded, totalling £89,566. Applications will now be reviewed on a weekly, rolling basis until the remainder of the fund has been allocated, on a first come, first served basis.
For more information about the Warm Hand of Friendship scheme, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, click on the link in the right hand column.
|
Organisation name |
Application details |
Amount awarded |
|
Inverkip Church |
Provision of warm space offering soup, rolls, hot drink every Monday Jan-Mar |
£480.00 |
|
Inverkip Community Initiative |
Warm space cinema sessions free to the public with hot drinks/soup provided |
£1,500.00 |
|
Salvation Army |
Currently offer warm space one day a week for hot drink and soup. Wish to extend the service with take away meals for individuals/families |
£1,000.00 |
|
Port Glasgow Church of Nazarene |
Provision of warm space one evening a week offering soup and sandwiches |
£1,750.00 |
|
Compassionate Inverclyde |
Provision of events, hot food and warm boxes to all users of the Friendship Hub |
£1,500.00 |
|
Ravenscraig Centre |
Providing free activities with hot refreshment every Monday (set times) |
£2,250.00 |
|
Ambassador Church |
Offer free weekly lunch club open to all the community |
£900.00 |
|
TOTAL |
|
£9,380.00 |