Community groups and churches offering 'Warm Spaces' to help people survive the winter are being offered support through a £1 million fund set up by the Co-op.

The new funding, established in partnership with Crowdfunder, will provide urgent financial support to local community organisations in the context of the cost-of-living crisis. 

Local community groups can apply for up to £3,000 at coop.uk/warmspaces – https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/co-op-warm-spaces - until February 28, 2023.

The initiative comes off the back of new research from The Co-op, which found that nearly two-thirds (59%) of community projects have experienced a shortfall in funding over the past 12 months.

Some 28 Warm Spaces have been set up across the Richmond borough. Many of these are being set up by the Council in its libraries, children's and youth centres, but a number are being offered by community groups and churches.

These include those from Churches Together in Teddington, a series of spaces offered by churches throughout Teddington and Hampton Wick; Mortlake Community Association; All Saints Parish Church, Hampton; the Hampton Inspired Hub; St James's Church, Hampton Hill; and St Stephen's Church, Twickenham.

Research for the Co-op found that some 84 per cent of local causes have seen an increase in demand, particularly those providing support for people through the cost-of-living crisis.

At the same time, 26 per cent of community projects said they were considering having to reduce services because of shortfalls in funding, whilst more than 1 in 10 local projects have already closed or reduced services.

Eligible groups which are already offering a warm space, wanting to increase opening times or extend existing services or activities this winter can apply for the £1m match funding – up to £3,000 per group is available.

Projects that can apply might include, a community cafe that needs funding to continue offering their building as a warm space; a local village support group wanting to extend existing activities to support more people in their community; a community fridge, wanting to promote their services more widely to meet increasing need or a youth group whose energy costs have increased.

Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Member Participation at Co-op commented: "As our Co-op research shows, we have a huge role to play in supporting community groups and the people that they help during the cost-of-living crisis.

"Funding for warm spaces form part of our response to our community missions of access to food, mental wellbeing support and opportunities for young people.

"Launching this funding boots will help groups keep their lights and heating on as they bring communities together to keep warm in the coldest months of the year– increasing overall wellbeing. It may also mean people don't have to choose between accessing food or heating this winter. Plus, having a warm space allows the community to take a break from their everyday worries, improving their mental wellbeing.

"The £1m funding boost wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for our members choosing Co-op and raising funds to support communities every time they shop with us.

"Our customers and members can help even more by donating through Crowdfunder or take part by using the services that are being funded."

*For further information and match funding criteria visit coop.uk/warmspaces - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/co-op-warm-spaces