Published on Monday 17 July 2023
A government fund to help people struggling with the rising cost of living has once again opened for applications.
The Household Support Fund will offer support for residents with the costs of food, energy, and other household essentials.
The fourth round of the Household Support Fund was awarded by the DWP in April 2023, and will run for a year to the benefit of many people across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) area.
Household Support Fund grants are available and being administered by Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Food and or fuel vouchers and support will be provided to eligible applicants on a first-come-first-served basis. Applications are open from Monday 17 July until 11 August.
Food vouchers will also be available during school holiday periods available for families with children in financial hardship.
BCP Council Family Information Service (FIS) can provide a £90 food voucher for eligible pre-school age children living in the BCP area. Households with children aged under five can apply now through the FIS. The deadline is 11pm on 31 August.
Supermarket food vouchers for school aged children will be issued directly by the child’s school.
Cllr Millie Earl, Deputy Leader and Portfolio holder for Connected Communities said:
"We are committed to improving support for our residents who may be struggling with the rising cost of living and strive to create a more equitable future for all our residents.
"We are welcoming applications from eligible residents for the next round of Household Support Fund to help with costs associated with food and energy bills.
"The Household Support Fund aims to reach those who are close or already in crisis, and I would urge all eligible residents to reach out to access the help that they need.
"The impact of the cost-of-living crisis is affecting many of our residents, and we are continuing to provide wider support to the community with our financial wellbeing help and advice."
Over the winter period, Citizens Advice BCP issued 3,650 grants to residents in most need, including families, single households and those who are vulnerable, with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Zoe Bradley, Chief Executive, Citizens Advice BCP added:
"Demand for the Household Support Fund continues to be extremely high, and we recognise that many households across Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole are continuing to experience financial challenges due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
"Despite energy prices falling, for the first time in almost two years, the overall cost of living remains precariously high, and many people are struggling to afford basic necessities such as food and housing costs.
"Citizens Advice Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole continues to support more BCP residents than ever before and through our partnership with BCP Council we are committed in providing advice and support to as many residents as possible during these exceptional times of need."
Residents seeking further help, or who would prefer to speak to someone face-to-face, can visit Citizen’s Advice via their Mobile Community Advice Vehicle, who are available this week (commencing 17 July):
- Monday 10am-12pm – St Luke’s Church, Winton, BH3 7LR
- Monday 1pm-4pm – St Immanuel’s Church, Southbourne, BH6 3QJ
- Tuesday 10am-12pm – Henry Brown, West Howe, BH11 8DU
- Tuesday 1pm-4pm – St. Gabriel’s Church, Turlin Moor, BH16 5BH
- Wednesday 10am-12pm – Rossmore, Poole, BH12 4HS
- Wednesday 1pm-4pm – Parkstone Reformed Church, Poole, BH14 0JW
- Thursday 10am-12pm – (See our Drop-in Services below)
- Thursday 1pm-4pm – Castlepoint, Bournemouth BH8 9UZ
- Friday 10am-12pm and 1pm-3:30pm Parkstone United Reformed Church
Further available dates and regular drop-in and community outreach sessions can be found here: Citizens Advice Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole
Residents can also access cost-of-living information at our libraries in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.