Come in from the Cold to one of Hertfordshire’s Warm Spaces

Hertfordshire County Council and partners across the county are coming together to promote an online directory of ‘warm spaces’, buildings which people can use as warm, welcoming spaces as temperatures drop this winter.

This online directory allows residents to find libraries, family centres and community spaces near them where they can stay safe and warm. Lots of the venues will be hosting additional activities, including Age UK Hertfordshire’s ‘Winter Fuel Support Roadshows’ where people impacted by the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment will be able to access expert support and advice.

To support this initiative, the council is making £100,000 worth of funding available to local community groups, with grants of up to £2,000 to help them provide welcoming indoor spaces this winter. The funding can be used to cover energy bills, volunteer costs, venue hire as well as other relevant costs such as transport to the venue. The grant scheme is being run by Hertfordshire Community Foundation.    

Councillor Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council said: ‘We all need a little support from time to time and we’re making sure that advice is available to help every resident deal with the rising cost of living and to stay well this winter, with practical help for people who need it most.

‘By bringing together a directory of warm spaces where people can feel welcome, warm and safe along with information on the support available to households, I hope that we can help everyone stay safe and well this winter.’

The warm spaces directory is just one of the ways Hertfordshire County Council is helping people to manage the cost of living and remain safe and well this winter.

You can find out about the range of local and national support, including how to apply for the Welfare Assistance Scheme at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/costofliving. If you need help and don’t know where to turn, contact HertsHelp – trained advisors are available to offer free, confidential assistance. They can put you in touch with relevant services and local support, visit www.hertshelp.net or call 0300 123 4044.