Published: Friday, 2nd December 2022
People all over west Norfolk will be able to keep warm and connect with others this winter thanks to a cash injection from the council to make sure services reach all the borough’s communities.
Norfolk Community Foundation has funded Hot-Spot schemes across the county and the borough council put in an additional £50,000 to ensure west Norfolk’s communities were supported to offer local schemes.
Cllr Sam Sandell, cabinet member for people and communities, said:
“West Norfolk is one of the biggest boroughs in the country, which can present a number of challenges when providing services to its small and rural communities.
“We are also acutely aware of the need to support people affected by rises in the cost of living in a borough where incomes are lower than average but costs may be higher.
“This is why we felt it was important to supplement the NCF fund with ringfenced money to ensure that projects right across our borough could be funded and I am pleased to say that in total, more than 25 west Norfolk projects have received funding.”
Community Hot-Spots provide a warm space from people to take a break from the cold. They help to tackle social isolation by creating welcoming places for people to meet and spend time together. They particularly aim to reach vulnerable people or anyone affected by increases in the cost of living.
Most Hot-Spots also help people to access services and offer free or subsidised meals. They are open at least one day a week and many are open several days a week. Some also offer transport.
In west Norfolk the Hot-Spots stretch from Upwell and Outwell across to West Dereham and up to Brancaster in the north east of the borough.
Locations include village halls, churches and pubs, with additional services that include refreshments, games and classes.
Local organisations can apply for up to £2,000 to support the provision of a Hot-Spot in their community. This could be a new service or the expansion of an existing service.
In the first round of applications, more than 120 Hot-Spots across the county were provided with funds. New funding has become available so a second round has just been announced, with applications to be received by 12 December.
To apply please visit the Norfolk Community Foundation website at www.norfolkfoundation.com.