Hertfordshire County Council, and the county’s ten district and borough councils, have today, Thursday 27 October, launched a new directory of public spaces and buildings which people can use as warm, welcoming spaces as temperatures drop.

This online directory will let people find libraries, family centres and community spaces near them where they can stay safe and warm. Many will also be running additional activities to provide people with the opportunity to meet others and take part in events such as slipper swaps for older people in libraries and stay and play events in family centres for families with young children.

To support this initiative, we are making £100,000 worth of funding available to local community groups, with grants of up to £2,000 to help them provide welcoming indoor spaces this winter. The funding can be used to cover energy bills, staff time, venue hire as well as other relevant costs such as transport to the venue. The grant scheme is being run by Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

The warm spaces directory is just one of the ways Hertfordshire County Council is helping people to manage the cost of living and remain safe and well this winter. Other support available for residents is being highlighted through the council’s Here for You this winter campaign which is shining a light on the services the council delivers, and those it funds other organisations to deliver.

In addition to the ‘Warm Spaces’ directory, other support from the county council includes:

advice to help to manage the cost of living
details of support available from the Hertfordshire Independent Living service, including meals on wheels
activities available for families at our network of family centres
support for those with caring responsibilities

A winter health guide, produced in partnership with the NHS, will also be delivered to all households in Hertfordshire over the next few weeks, packed full of useful health and wellbeing advice, and ways navigate the rising cost of living.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Councillor Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council said:

“We want everyone in Hertfordshire to be able to live healthy and fulfilling lives, and I want our residents to know that we are here for you this winter.

“We all need a little support from time to time and we’re making sure that advice is available to help every resident deal with the rising cost of living and to stay well this winter, with practical help for people who need it most.

“By bringing together a directory of warm spaces where people can feel welcome, warm and safe along with information on the support available to households, I hope that we can help everyone stay safe and well this winter.”

If you need help, please get in touch with HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044. For more information, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/hereforyou