Grants have been handed to community groups to run warm spaces during the winter months.

Lewes District Council has committed £50,000 to groups stretching from Seaford, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Lewes and Chailey.

It encouraged applicants for the funding to address issues such as how they could give advice on debt and people’s welfare.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, deputy leader of Lewes District Council, said: “When it became clear that the UK was heading into a cost of living crisis, we moved very quickly to put a safety net of measures in place that directly help local people who are in most need.

“Knowing so many of our residents will be worrying about how to pay their heating bills, this latest funding will create welcoming warm spaces across the district that anyone can visit.

“We are doing everything we can to help as many people as possible, yet I still wish we could do more.

 “I’m incredibly grateful to the many voluntary groups, charities and churches in the district that are playing a full part in helping others to get through this crisis.

The Argus: Councillor Zoe NicholsonCouncillor Zoe Nicholson (Image: LDC)

 “Whoever you are and wherever you live, please don’t suffer in silence, there is help available.”

The council has already put money towards the voluntary sector, as well as a council tax reduction scheme that reduces the tax to zero for households on the lowest incomes.

The authority said a directory of warm spaces will soon be available on its website.

A total of 12 grants have been awarded to St Peter's Church in East Blatchington, Friends of Bishopstone Station CIC, Peacehaven Town Council, Chailey Free Church, Kempton House Day Centre, Kings Church, Sussex Community Development Association, Seaford Baptist Church, Fitzjohns Foodbank, Newhaven Baptist Church, Lewes House of Friendship and Christ Church Lewes.