Impact of the Welcome Spaces Fund
At Point North, we’re committed to finding ways to address immediate needs in our communities, and the Welcome Spaces has played an important part of this effort.
Here we share the findings from the report on the Fund’s impact and the difference it has made to local communities.
What is the Welcome Spaces Fund?
The Welcome Spaces Fund was launched in October 2023 to provide a range of activities and support to local communities.
A partnership approach between Durham County Council and Point North created a pot of funding of £329,000 to help voluntary and community groups reach and support County Durham’s most vulnerable and isolated residents.
The funding included £250,000 of UK Shaped Prosperity funds which helped strengthen capacity and capability in communities in Mission Critical Areas.
With the average grant size of £4,218, the fund’s small but crucial awards allowed community groups to open their doors for a few hours a week, while larger grants helped organisations expand their provision. Ultimately, the fund prioritised areas with limited existing resources and communities facing the greatest hardship, including former mining communities in areas such as Easington Colliery, Seaham, Pelton Fell and Stanley, who received 40% of the grants.
Making a difference to local communities
Welcome Space are places where dignity is restored, where people feel valued, and where communities come together to support one another. They represent the best of community spirit; neighbours helping neighbours through difficult times.
The monitoring reports reveal a consistent pattern: people came for practical help but stayed for the human connection. Mental health improvements emerged as the most significant impact, with residents describing sessions as essential for their wellbeing. Several groups partnered with local health services to provide health checks, medication reviews, and wellness activities.
Key outcomes and impact
Social impact:
- 89% report reduced social isolation
- 850+ volunteers mobilised
- 78% made new friendships
Health and Wellbeing:
- 82% report improved mental health
- Reduced GP visits for cold-related illness
- Improved physical health outcomes
Economic Impact:
- £680,000 value of volunteer time
- 67% accessed additional support
- 45+ people secured employment
Community resilience:
- 94% of spaces will continue operating
- 67 new partnerships formed
- Stronger community networks
Looking ahead
The success of the Welcome Spaces fund has demonstrated that community-led solutions can address complex social challenges. Groups have also sought to develop sustainable models that will continue beyond the initial funding period.
Analysis of the most successful Welcome Spaces reveals common strategies that other communities can learn from:
- Community ownership and leadership
- Flexible,responsive programming
- Welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere
- Strong volunteerrecruitment and support
- Partnerships with other services
- Regular communication and promotion
- Monitoring and adapting to community needs
The Welcome Spaces fund has demonstrated that relatively modest investment in community-led initiatives can generate profound and lasting impact.
What began as an emergency response to the cost-of-living crisis has evolved into a sustainable model of community support that addresses multiple social challenges simultaneously.
The success of these spaces lies not just in the warmth and meals they provide, but in the dignity, connection, and hope they restore. They have proven that communities, when supported and trusted, have the capacity to care for their own members in ways that are responsive, compassionate, and effective.
