Lewisham Local is now launching the Warm Welcomes Fund, inviting eligible community organisations to deliver warm welcomes spaces during 2026/2027.
The Warm Welcomes programmes aims to support residents experiencing cost-of living pressures, fuel poverty and social isolation by providing free, safe and welcoming community spaces where people can stay warm, connect with others and access information, advice and support.
For winter 2026/27, £92,000 will be distributed through an open, transparent and proportionate application process, with 16 Main Grants of £5,750 each available to eligible community organisations.The remaining is intended to support the subsequent transition towards a new neighbourhood-based model of year-round provision. This funding is separate from the winter grant application process.
Through this programme in 2026/2027 we aim to:
- Provide free, warm and welcoming spaces outside the home where residents can spend time without needing to purchase anything.
- Support residents to stay warm, healthy and well during winter.
- Reduce loneliness and social isolation by creating opportunities for social connection and participation.
- Provide free activities, refreshments and opportunities for individuals and families to come together.
- Offer safe, accessible and inclusive spaces that respect residents’ dignity and individual needs.
- Help residents access information, advice and support relating to the cost of living, food, welfare benefits, debt, health and other relevant services.
- Strengthen connections between community organisations and local support services.
- Build on existing community provision to support the council’s longer- term ambition for neighbourhood-based Warm Welcomes
Application Timeline
Application Live: 30th October, Friday 2026
Deadline: 25th November, Wednesday 2026 12 noon
Applicants will be notified by 10th December 2026
Project Duration: 17th December 2026, or no later than 4th January 2027 -31 March 2027
Q&A Session will be held on 9th November at 11am to answer any questions that prospective applicants might have. Please register to attend here
How to apply
Please review the guidelines to determine if your organisation meets the eligibility, what funding is available, and what the application requires.
Complete the application form, via online form or Microsoft Word document [e-mail completed version to funding@lewishamlocal.com]
Submit by 12 noon on Wednesday, 25 November 2026
Note: Lewisham Local is actively recruiting members for the Warm Welcomes Steering Group to help shape the programme beyond Winter 2026/27. Members will be remunerated to attend a minimum one-day workshop (date TBC) and share their experiences and priorities. If you are interested, , please complete the form and submit your application by 30th December 2026.
For any enquiries please contact funding@lewishamlocal.com