Thousands of people benefit from third year of Winter Connections programme in Renfrewshire
The warm spaces initiative ran from roughly November until March.
More than 2,500 people have benefitted from the third year of the Winter Connections programme in Renfrewshire, it has been estimated.
The warm spaces initiative – a network of sessions that allows people to enjoy the company of others in a welcoming environment – ran from roughly November until March.
Backed by £75,000 in council funding, it facilitates grants of up to £2,000 for groups and organisations so they can provide free activities which are inclusive and offer warm drinks and food in the colder months.
An evaluation of the scheme for 2024/25 has been completed and will be considered by the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee at its meeting on Wednesday.
It said: "The Winter Connections programme has been running during the winter months since November 2022.
"The programme has been delivered in partnership with local organisations and aims to encourage people to connect and participate in activities in warm and welcoming spaces across communities in Renfrewshire.
"Local community and voluntary organisations can apply for small grants of up to £2,000 to support with the additional costs of making venues, activities and sessions open as part of the programme.
"Items eligible for funding include equipment, food, energy costs, and rent. The programme has been evaluated each year and has positively contributed to Renfrewshire Council's continued wider response to the cost-of-living crisis.
"As a result, in June 2024, £75,000 of funding was allocated from the Fairer Renfrewshire programme to support the delivery of a third year of Winter Connections for 2024/25.
"The programme continues to attract new organisations bidding for funding, with this year's programme being delivered by a mix of organisation that have received funding before and those new to Winter Connections."
Some of the key findings included the social aspect of bringing people together managing to create a sense of belonging and supportive environment, which was particularly important for people who felt isolated.
The activities provided opportunities to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing, learn new skills and boost confidence.
The programme enables organisations to engage with new people, raising awareness of their venues and services and signposting to other services across Renfrewshire.
The provision of hot drinks in libraries encouraged visitors to stay longer and connect with others and library staff, while the offer of free food at venues meant the initiative could support families experiencing financial hardship.
It became apparent the scheme continues to act as an "important element" of the local authority's response to the cost-of-living crisis.
A total of £75,000 in funding has already been set aside to support the delivery of a fourth year of Winter Connections.
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The warm spaces initiative ran from roughly November until March. More than 2,500 people have benefitted from the third year of the Winter Connections programme in Renfrewshire, it has been estimated. The warm spaces initiative – a network of sessions that allows people to enjoy the company of others in a welcoming environment – ran from roughly November until March. Backed by £75,000 in council funding, it facilitates grants of up to £2,000 for groups and organisations so they can provide free activities which are inclusive and offer warm drinks and food in the colder months. An evaluation of the scheme for 2024/25 has been completed and will be considered by the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee at its meeting on Wednesday. It said: "The Winter Connections programme has been running during the winter months since November 2022. "The programme has been delivered in partnership with local organisations and aims to encourage people to connect and participate in activities in warm and welcoming spaces across communities in Renfrewshire. "Local community and voluntary organisations can apply for small grants of up to £2,000 to support with the additional costs of making venues, activities and sessions open as part of the programme. "Items eligible for funding include equipment, food, energy costs, and rent. The programme has been evaluated each year and has positively contributed to Renfrewshire Council's continued wider response to the cost-of-living crisis. "As a result, in June 2024, £75,000 of funding was allocated from the Fairer Renfrewshire programme to support the delivery of a third year of Winter Connections for 2024/25. "The programme continues to attract new organisations bidding for funding, with this year's programme being delivered by a mix of organisation that have received funding before and those new to Winter Connections." Some of the key findings included the social aspect of bringing people together managing to create a sense of belonging and supportive environment, which was particularly important for people who felt isolated. The activities provided opportunities to improve physical and mental health and wellbeing, learn new skills and boost confidence. The programme enables organisations to engage with new people, raising awareness of their venues and services and signposting to other services across Renfrewshire. The provision of hot drinks in libraries encouraged visitors to stay longer and connect with others and library staff, while the offer of free food at venues meant the initiative could support families experiencing financial hardship. It became apparent the scheme continues to act as an "important element" of the local authority's response to the cost-of-living crisis. A total of £75,000 in funding has already been set aside to support the delivery of a fourth year of Winter Connections.
