Scores of city-based organisations that open their doors as Wellbeing Hubs providing residents access to warm, safe, and welcoming spaces have received funding from Newcastle Council.
Newcastle’s network of Wellbeing Hubs was set up last year in response to the Cost of Living crisis with more than 90 organisations signing up to help residents during the tough winter months.
According to the local authority, several of these have continued to deliver year-round support, and the council is now providing funding to support these efforts as the city prepares again to enter the cold winter months.
A challenging winter
West Fenham councillor Karen Kilgour, Newcastle Council’s Deputy Leader, said:
”The cost of living continues to present huge challenges to people in all walks of life and we’re committed to doing everything we can to support our residents.”
She added:
”We worked with a range of partners, including voluntary and community organisations in 2022/2023 as part of a Wellbeing Hubs network and the majority of these bodies continue to offer a warm welcome and a safe space for people in Newcastle.
”We are now working with a range of organisations to update the network for this winter to make sure we an offer somewhere warm to go if they’re struggling to heat their homes. Many hubs offer different activities and support like signposting to additional advice and support services, or a chance to learn new skills and get involved in different pastimes,
”Unfortunately, we know this winter is going to be extremely challenging for lots of residents, and I would urge anyone who is struggling to reach out and make use of the support available”.
Financial support
Organisations signed up as a Wellbeing Hub are getting a £250 grant. Others have successfully applied for grants between £1,000, £3,000 or £6,000 depending on their days of operation and the service they offer.
