Efficiency North is delighted to back Hull City Council’s Winter Warmth Community Grants scheme with a donation of £33,000 funding of Social Value Credits generated from the council’s work with their specialist procurement arm EN:Procure.
The Winter Warmth Community Grants initiative, which is also being backed by funding from Fortem, is part of a range of measures being brought in by Hull City Council alongside voluntary and community groups across the city as a response to the cost of living crisis. The first in a series of council-backed warm spaces will open their doors in Hull next week for people struggling with the cost of heating their own homes.
Head of Operations of Efficiency North’s charity EN:Able Communities, Simeon Perry, presented the £33,000 cheque to Hull City Council leader Mike Ross on Monday 24 October at Jubilee Church, one of the warm spaces in the city centre. This sum was generated through Hull City Council using EN:Procure’s solutions for purchasing boilers and roofing for social housing over the past 3 years and demolition of the former Edwin Davis building.
Chief Executive of Efficiency North Lee Parkinson said: “As a responsible business, Efficiency North is very pleased to be able to back this scheme through EN:Procure’s Social Value Credits to support those in Hull most negatively affected by the energy and economic crises. We hope the funding will help to keep the many vulnerable people warm and safe throughout the colder months. Well done to all the local groups who have stepped up to help them through this very difficult time.”
Leader of Hull City Council Mike Ross said: “It is horrifying that in the 21st century we are even having to consider schemes like warm spaces. In this day and age everyone should be able to stay warm in their own home.
“Sadly, the cost of living crisis means the creation of council-supported warm spaces has to be part of our action plan. This is a national crisis and only national action will solve it but locally we are determined to do what we can to help people through it wherever we can.
“We have worked quickly and closely with groups in the voluntary, community and business communities to ensure that people across the city have a warm space to turn to. The council and other organisations have worked collaboratively to ensure warm spaces are safe, welcoming and inclusive.
"With the first wave opening on Monday, our next priority is encouraging more organisations and businesses to come forward, so we can ensure a range of provision throughout the city. My thanks go to all those who have stepped up and are willing to be part of the scheme.”
The Winter Warmth Community Grants scheme is now open
The deadline for applications is Monday 14 November. Grants between £1,000 to £10,000 are open to charities, faith groups and residents’ associations for projects such as provision of warm space venues with activities, warm clothing banks, slow cookers and electric blankets to help people stay warm over the winter through to March 2023.
For more information about the scheme and how to apply, contact Jane Thompson at jane.thompson@nbforum.org.uk.
Apply to register as a warm space here: Register for Warm Spaces - Hull City Council
If your business is able to donate either funds or other support, email: business.engagement@hullcc.gov.uk