Warm Welcome Hubs open their doors across Derby

Published: 30 January 2023

Late last year Community Action Derby (CAD), in partnership with Derby City Council, invited organisations to submit expressions of interest for the Warm Welcome grant. The grant, funded by the Department of Work and Pensions, offered funding for up to 40 organisations to provide support to Derby residents experiencing hardship or difficulties as a result of the Cost of Living Crisis.
An overwhelming response was received from community organisations across the city who are now working with Community Action Derby to support some of Derby’s most vulnerable residents who are struggling due to the Cost of Living Crisis. Warm Welcome Hubs not only offer residents access to a warm space, hot drink and meal, but the chance to chat to someone who can offer guidance and support.

Currently, there are over 50 Warm Welcome Hubs across the city which will:

• Provide a warm welcome to those in need of a warm space
• Provide a hot drink and a meal
• Distribute energy vouchers
• Assist with online applications
• Assist with support – signposting to other organisations
• Provide health & wellbeing support.

Councillor Roy Webb, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Housing said:

“We have seen a fantastic response from community organisations who are able and willing to open their doors to support some of our city’s most vulnerable residents. Warm Welcome Hubs provide a safe and warm space for those who might otherwise be isolated and struggling to manage during the current crisis.

"With so many organisations stepping forward to open their doors, we’re confident that there will be at least one hub to suit the needs of everyone who needs some extra support. I’d encourage anyone who is struggling to access one of the many hubs – a warm welcome is guaranteed.”

Jonathan Dwerryhouse, Strategy and Partnerships Manager for Community Action Derby said:

“We have been overwhelmed by the amazing response from community and voluntary sector organisations who have opened Warm Welcome Hubs across Derby city with the support of Community Action and Derby City Council.

"I’ve been out to see the wonderful work that they are doing, providing warm spaces with hot food and drinks, administering the food voucher scheme as part of the Household Support Fund, offering signposting support to help with the Cost of Living Crisis, and even providing advice on health and wellbeing issues. There is a huge demand for the Warm Welcome Hubs, and we’re proud of our community organisations who are supporting Derby city residents through this difficult winter”.

A full list of all of the Warm Welcome Hubs in Derby can be found on the Community Action Derby website, which also contains lots of other useful support and guidance to support those struggling with the Cost of Living Crisis. You can find out more about Warm Welcome Hubs on the National Warm Welcome website.

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