The Community Climate Connectors (CCC) and Warm Welcome Hubs initiatives have been supported by funding from Shropshire Council and are all about building capacity across Shropshire and empowering community group volunteers to help everyone in their community to keep warm, save energy and cut carbon.

In essence, these projects are a comprehensive effort to address climate change and energy usage through education, engagement, and practical action. Our project is split into FOUR key areas, each designed to offer support and resources to community groups who want to get involved:

Grants available for venues either already hosting or wanting to become Warm Welcome hubs this winter (from £200 to £5000 available).

Whether you already open over the Winter months as a Warm Welcome space for your community, or if you are interested in setting up as a hub, we can now offer grants to support you along the way. There are 3 levels of funding available:

Level one: £50-£500 – Small grant: e.g. equipment purchase, promotion, training.

Level two: £500-£2000 – Medium grant: for larger scale/scope locations, commitment to attend training for organisers, commitment to hold multiple events (e.g. 10+).

Level three: £2000-£5000 – Large grant: as above in addition, demonstrate track record of reaching vulnerable groups, higher number of people reached, provide a plan for sustainability, commitment to future activities and to provide a case study.

Please note that there is only a small amount of level 3 grants available, and extra evidence of commitment needs to be provided in your application form.

To apply, please complete the following form here: tinyurl.com/warmwelcomehub

We are hosting some online information and Q&A sessions for those interested on the following dates:

11th August 2pm

16th September 2pm

25th September 10am

To sign up to one of the above webinars, visit our Eventbrite and select the date that you prefer: tinyurl.com/meaeventbrite or contact [email protected] for more information.

Free climate and biodiversity workshops Learn more about the climate and biodiversity with this interactive group-oriented workshop. For your staff/volunteers or for your community. We can provide fully-funded workshops, including room hire, refreshments and supply of marketing materials.

If you are interested in hosting a workshop, please email [email protected] for more information.

Free community building energy surveys Are you interested in finding out how to make your community building more energy efficient and environmentally friendly? Or are you looking for evidence to support you in gaining grant funding for building upgrades? We can offer a free energy survey of your community building to determine where your building may be able to cut down on energy usage, with a report on potential building upgrades and changes.

To apply, please complete the following form here: bit.ly/CommunityEnergySurvey or contact [email protected] for more information.

Free energy efficiency workshops, drop-ins or training sessions for your volunteers or attendees, tailored to your needs and interests. With information on saving energy, electricity audits, grant funding and free energy saving measures (such as LED bulbs and heated blankets) for you to give out to your community.

These workshops can be tailored to your groups interest and include room hire and refreshments.

To register your interest, please complete the following form: tinyurl.com/workshopenergyefficiency or contact [email protected] for more information.