Co-op increases funding for community groups providing ‘warm spaces’ as freezing temperatures hit the UK

The warm and inviting lounge at Back O'Th' Moss

The Co-op has increased the funding available for community groups providing warm spaces this winter.

All community groups with live fundraising campaigns as part of the ‘Warm Spaces’ fund have been given £500 from Co-op to help them reach their fundraising goal and all new groups who sign up will also receive a £500 payment to kick start fundraising.

Eligible groups who already provide a warm space and want to increase opening times or extend existing services or activities this winter can apply for match funding – up to £5,000 per group is available by applying at coop.uk/warmspaces by 28 February 2023 (fundraising to be completed by 31 March 2023).

Since launching the match funding platform with Crowdfunder six weeks ago in December 2022 over £240,000 has been paid out by Co-op to help 300 groups provide warm spaces in communities across the UK.

Insight from more than 3,000 local community causes across the UK showing that nearly two-thirds (59%) of projects have experienced a shortfall in funding over the past 12 months.

Over three-quarters (84%) of local causes have seen an increase in demand, particularly those providing support for people through the cost-of-living crisis.

Over a quarter (27%) of community projects said they were considering having to reduce services as a result of shortfalls in funding, whilst more than a tenth (13%) of local projects have already closed or reduced services.

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 the mercury dops and conditions turn icy this week, with more in the forecast, it’s important to remember the vital work that community groups and organisations are providing to people across the UK at a time when it’s most needed.

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

“Launching this funding boosts 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.”

For further information and match funding criteria visit coop.uk/warmspaces