Community groups and organisations in Cumbria are being offered financial support to help people keep warm over winter.

The Cumbria Community Foundation, in partnership with Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, is offering grants of up to £500 from the Warm Spots Fund.

The aim is to create a network of places where people can go to keep warm and socialise.

A Warm Spot should provide a heated space, 'a warm welcome' with at least one member of staff or volunteer, a hot drink, and be open for at least two hours each week.

The purpose of a warm spot is to create a place where people can stay warm and socialise with others (Image: Cumbria Community Foundation) Samuel James Boyd Gilmore, a volunteer at Staveley with Ings Together, spoke about the difference its Warm Spot made to the community last year.

He said: "Our Warm Spot was an open-to-all space for people to come and share a cup of tea and some other refreshments.

"We also had opportunities for activities with children from our local school.

"A Year 6 class visited, had their packed lunches with us, chatted to those attending the warm spot.

"We attracted some new folks as well as folk with disabilities who are even more isolated at home, so it's been good to include them too."

The funding can be used to cover energy bills, additional staff time, volunteer expenses, provision of drinks, and venue hire, as well as other relevant costs.

This is the third winter the Warm Spots Fund has been available, with grants provided in previous years to venues across the county, including The Salvation Army in Barrow, Moot Hall in Brampton, Appleby Cricket Club, and The Settlement in Maryport.

Jenny Benson, director of programmes and partnerships at the Foundation, said: "Community groups across Cumbria do an amazing job of supporting those in need.

"Over the past two winters, Warm Spots have been a lifeline to many people struggling to heat their own homes, and we know that will be the case again this year.

"They also offer benefits beyond just helping people to keep warm, alleviating loneliness and isolation.

"We are very pleased to be able to offer this funding once again and urge community groups and venues to apply."

Grants from the Warm Spots Fund can be used to expand capacity or services offered at existing venues, or to start up in a new venue.

A toolkit is available with information and advice for anyone thinking of setting up a Warm Spot.

Colin Cox, director of public health and communities at Cumberland Council, said: "Cumberland Council are delighted to be able to support the Warm Spots Fund again this winter.

"Many older residents are at heightened risk from cold-related illnesses, which can lead to serious health complications.

"The various warm spots across Cumberland provide a critical lifeline, helping to keep people warm and safe.

"I strongly encourage everyone who can to support this initiative."

Applications to the Warm Spots Fund can be submitted at any time, and groups should hear the outcome of their application within 10 working days.

For more information or to apply for funding, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org/fund/warm-spots-fund, call Tracy Cheesbrough on 01900 825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org.