MyEDC

    Technical Notes 2023, Issue 33 - Community Warm Spaces and Grant Scheme - Additional Communications

    • Report by:

      Ann Davie, Depute Chief Executive

    • TN Number:

      033-23

    • Subject:

      Community Warm Spaces and Grant Scheme - Additional Communications

    • Responsible Officer:

      Evonne Bauer, Executive Officer, Place & Community Planning

    • Publication:

      This Technical Note will be published on the Council’s website following circulation to Members. Its contents may be disclosed or shared outwith the Council.

    Section

    1. Information on the additional communications provided for the Community Warm Spaces, together with the availability of the Community Warm Spaces Grant, Scheme was requested at the Council meeting of 15 December 2023.
       
    2. An online resource utilising the ED Asset map was developed tagging warm spaces, showing the comprehensive list and an easily navigated calendar of warm spaces. This information has been distributed to front line support services, and promoted through OPAL telephone line. The OPAL advice line, working together with council and partner front line staff, can direct individuals to support services and also to warm space information.
       
    3. A Warm Spaces Leaflet was produced and disseminated to key locations across East Dunbartonshire, showing a directory of warm spaces available. This is regularly refreshed.  Further, comprehensive information on warm spaces, including locations and times, can be accessed on the East Dunbartonshire Website.
       
    4. To date a total of ten projects have been funded. This year’s grant will be available until end of March 2023, and a panel of community planning partners continue to assess applications on a rolling basis when received.
       
    5. The Community Planning Team are currently working with partners at EDVA targeting organisations that have expressed an interest in delivering community warm spaces. They are also proactively visiting the groups and venues across the area.  This includes supporting them in their projects and activities, but also with accessing the warm spaces grant, where appropriate.
       
    6. An update on the Community Warms Spaces and Grant Scheme was provided at the meeting of Special Council on 23 February 2023, ‘East Dunbartonshire Forward in Partnership General Fund Revenue Budget 2023/24’ (EPB/023/23/AD) and in relation to the ongoing progress with the Cost of Living Support Programme. This included, as an Appendix, a current copy of the directory of Warm Spaces available.
       
    7. At that same meeting, Council approved the funding for the continuation of a Community Warm Spaces Grant Scheme for 2023/24. It is the intention of officers to update and review the application process and form in advance of this new round of funding, taking into consideration feedback from current applicants’ experiences.
       
    8. Further information available from Evonne Bauer, Executive Officer, Place and Community Planning, or Pam Campbell, Team Leader, Community Planning and Partnerships.