The UK is currently facing a cost of living crisis that means many people are having to make tough decisions about what they eat, what they can do in life, and when they can afford to heat their home.

We know that many local communities are already talking about how they can help people in their towns and villages who might struggle to keep warm this winter. 

We want to support these trusted local partners, to create a network of Warm Welcoming Places across Craven.

Many local organisations, such as libraries or village halls, already provide this type of facility, so if this is your organisation please letting us know about your facilities and/or services on our Warm and Welcoming Spaces Registration Form.

Directory of Warm and Welcome Places

We have created a Directory of Warm and Welcome Places available to our residents so that anyone who is the cold knows where they can go to get warm, stay warm and enjoy a little company and some hot refreshments.

To be included in the directory organisations will need to show that they can provide a safe, warm and welcoming place and that they are happy for their details to be shared in our online directory held on our website so people know where they can access Warm and Welcome Places in Craven.

Please tell us about your facilities and services, it will only take a few minutes to complete the form.

Warm and Welcome Grants

We know that the cost of living is also affecting community organisations and that you may want to provide a Warm Welcoming Space but need some additional funds for running costs or to provide additional facilities.

Craven District Councillors have approved an additional £30,000 to be added to the existing Ward Member Grant Scheme to support community venues across the district to provide warm spaces for people struggling to heat their homes.

Community organisations can apply for up to £500 to help with the costs of providing a Warm and Welcome Place.

To be considered for a grant, community organisations will need to complete the Ward Member Grant Form  and include details of how many hours per week their Warm and Welcome Space will be open, consent their information being included in our online Craven Warm and Welcome Places Directory and agree to follow our Warm and Welcome Place Charter.

Organisations will be expected to adhere to their own safeguarding policies and ensure that all staff and volunteers are briefed on these procedures.

If you want to provide a Warm and Welcome Place we ask you to agree to follow our Warm and Welcome Place Charter.

The Charter is intended to help local people know what to expect when they visit a Warm and Welcome Place and to reassure them that they will be treated with dignity, respect and warmth.

Craven Warm and Welcome Places Charter

• People using your venue will be given a warm welcome from your staff and volunteers.
• Everyone in Your Warm and Welcome Place will treat each other with dignity and respect.
• Your Warm Welcome Place will be a safe space for everyone and your staff and volunteers will follow your safeguarding policy and your health and safety policies.
• Your Warm Welcome Place will be non-judgemental and people using your place will be treated the same and never judged.
• You will treat people confidentially and not share information they give you with anyone else unless they give you permission, or you must because of your safeguarding policies.