Warm Welcome grants are now available for South Lanarkshire community groups.
Up to £1000 will be given to organisations to help them open their doors during the cost of living crisis to offer people a ‘warm welcome’.
The funding is available for community groups to cover the cost of hot drinks or food, or contribute towards energy bills.
A total of £40,000 has been provided by South Lanarkshire Council for this scheme, split between the Cambuslang and Rutherglen, Clydesdale, East Kilbride and Hamilton areas.
Council Leader Joe Fagan said: “The council is already partnering with South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture to establish a network of Warm Welcome places right across our area.
"Residents will be able to go there for warmth and company, with some venues offering activities through groups who will be able to hire space for free in SLLC venues.
“But we know from our experience during the worst of the Covid pandemic that there are lots of community groups out there who are more than willing to do their bit to offer a hand and open their doors to people who need help.
“Adding more venues will make it easier for everyone to find somewhere they can get a Warm Welcome, and that is why we are widening the scheme to invite these groups to join the network.
"Our grants will make it easier for them to do so, and allow them to do even more for those the welcome in.”
The new Cost of Living Additional Supports and Warm Welcome Initiative Community Support Grant is open to all constituted groups who are carrying out a community response to the current cost of living and energy crisis.
Details of who is eligible to apply for the grant and an online application form can be found here.
Lesley McDonald, the council’s Finance and Corporate Resources chair, added: “The nature of this response can be varied as the council understands that all communities require different forms of support and community-based groups are best placed to identify the support required.
“Community groups that receive a grant – and any others who want to join – will be added to the Warm Welcome initiative, more details of which will be revealed at an official launch early next week.”
Once set up, people who want to attend a Warm Welcome venue will be able to find out what is available near them with details of opening times and the support offered will be available.
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