Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip
In the winter of 2022-23 the Welsh Government provided £1m to support and expand the provision of safe and warm places within the local community. These have been variously referred to as Warm Hubs, Warm Welcome Centres, Warm Spaces and Croeso Cynnes / Cosy Corners.
I am pleased to announce that this year I will be making available a further £1.5m to continue to support the provision of spaces within the local community where people of all ages can go to access services and advice, participate in social activities or simply get a warm cup of tea with company.
We know that the services offered through these community spaces has been vital in helping people; access welfare advice to help deal with debt issues and ensure they are claiming their entitlements; combat loneliness and isolation; or just try new activities or learn new skills.
This investment is part of the wider Welsh Government package of support for people across Wales over the coming months including our Discretionary Assistance Fund, Single Advice Fund Services, and Fuel Vouchers Scheme.
Allocated through Local Authorities we intend for this funding to build on provision already available across Wales through the public, voluntary and faith sectors, enabling organisations to open their facilities for longer, open more often or to provide a meal and refreshments to those attending.
The focus will continue to be on identifying and delivering to local need. This means that there will be a number of different approaches taken to deliver these spaces based on the needs of communities. But it will be important that they all offer an inviting place to be and are open and inclusive and available for all in the community to use.