As the cold weather hits and the cost of living crisis deepens many residents are finding themselves in need of some extra support or just simply a warm room to have a cup of tea in and meet friends for a chat.

Community groups are starting to provide these warm spaces or hubs and by clicking on the links below you can find more information on where the hubs are and if you are a community group you will also find links to application forms for financial assistance.

West Northants Council Warm Room initiatives

• Financial help for low wage workers, households with children, and those most needing help towards rent, council tax, household bills including gas and electricity, childcare costs and important daily essentials. Funded by the third tranche of the Household Support Fund.
• West Northamptonshire Council Online Cost of Living Support Hub: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/cost-living-support
• Cost-of-Living Support Line 0300 126 7000

• Network and directory of 67 Warm Spaces across West Northants - https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/cost-living-support/looking-warm-spaces

WNC Warm Welcoming Spaces grant

• A Warm Welcoming Spaces Grant scheme to support the creation and/or development of Warm Welcoming Spaces across West Northamptonshire
• To support residents struggling with fuel costs
• Awards can be made to Community, Voluntary Organisations and Registered Charities.

• The minimum amount of grant that can be applied for is £500.
• The maximum grant that can be applied for is £1,500.
• Application form and guidance notes available and completed application should be sent communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk with subject 'Warm Welcoming Spaces Grant Application Form'.

Food Banks

• Food Aid Alliance West Northants (FAAWN) – network of 40 foodbanks and social supermarkets in West Northants
• Running a Street by Street food donation campaign
• FAAWN has a directory of foodbanks in Northamptonshire – https://www.ncf.uk.com/upload/managerFile/Food%20Poverty/Food%20Aid%20Alliance%20West%20Northants.pdf
• West Northants Sustainable Food Place is active: https://goodfoodwnorthants.org/sustainablefoodplace.html