Warm Spaces Grants

Warm Spaces Charter Warm Spaces Briefing note

Warm Spaces Grants

Many churches across Sheffield Methodist District are preparing to offer Warm Spaces this winter in response to the cost of living crisis.

Although a significant financial intervention has now been announced by the UK government, for those who were already struggling to make ends meet this winter will be very difficult. In many communities support is still desperately needed.

At its simplest, being a Warm Space is about simple non-stigmatising neighbourly hospitality. Providing a warm welcome, a hot drink or bite to eat, a listening ear, and being ready to help people access further specialist support. Is this something your church needs to do?

New guidance is rapidly evolving. For now we recommend:

• this Mission News blog from our District Mission Enabler
• Connexional Warm Spaces webinar recording and other advice : Energy Crisis
• Registering your church with WarmWelcome.UK to access ecumenical advice and potential future funding

We know that responding to the need to provide warm spaces in such a time of national crisis as this may put strain on church finances. And that some churches and people within our congregations will be facing rising bills or lower incomes themselves.

If your church is stepping forward to respond to a desperate community need there will be people who can and want to contribute time, expertise or money (e.g. have you considered asking your local councillors, members of regular groups using your building, asking your local food bank for advice, holding a Circuit Warm Spaces Gift Day).

But to help you get started, we are offering grants of £500 to churches offering a Warm Space this winter.  This grant will be available until 17 February 2023
Qualifying Warm Space sessions will be:

• New activities, or existing activities adapted to respond to new circumstances/ facing increased costs
• Shaped around real needs you have identified in your neighbourhood through listening to people with lived experience of poverty, councillors or other locally active organisation
• Freely available (without cost) to those participating
• Advertised in ways that make them easy for people who need them to hear of and access them
• Frequent (at least weekly) and sustainable through this winter
• Inclusive – non-judgmental, safe, creating a hospitable environment and positive reasons to attend, open to people of all faiths and none
• Equipped to signpost people to specialist support if needed
• Prepared to listen to people's concerns
• Prayed for by your congregation
• You will have a written risk assessment (speak to your safeguarding officer or use the template on our Warm Spaces Safeguarding page )
• Learning together – sharing and evaluation experiences

If you think you may qualify, please complete the simple claim form below. If you have any queries contact Neil Harland, District Mission Enabler – mission@sheffieldmethodist.org