Published on Wednesday 24 November 2021
Vulnerable residents who are struggling to afford food and keep warm this winter are encouraged to access help through the council’s Household Support Fund scheme.
BCP Council has been awarded £2.6 million from government and is working with partner organisations to provide assistance to local people who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic and who are in financial hardship.
The support includes:
• Discretionary grants and advice about energy costs from Citizens Advice BCP
• A food voucher scheme to help support vulnerable children and families with meals over the school holidays, provided through early years settings, schools and colleges
• Investment in community food providers across the BCP area to meet increased demand
• Funding for local voluntary and community organisations which are providing fuel and food assistance.
Councillor Karen Rampton, Portfolio Holder for People and Homes said: "We know that many local households are struggling and desperately need extra support this winter to afford food and help with keeping their home warm, and we encourage anyone who needs help, to get in touch.
"I’d like to thank our partners including Citizens Advice BCP, local schools and community food providers across the area who are working tirelessly to ensure that those people that need our help most can access support. I know that many local residents will also want to offer support to their local communities this winter and I’d welcome any help that people feel they can give, whether that’s making donations of food or giving up time to volunteer."
For residents who are in financial difficulty and need help with affording food, visit: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/householdsupport/
For residents who are in financial difficulty and need support to keep warm:
Citizens Advice BCP: 01202 081732 (please leave a message) or visit: www.citizensadvicebcp.org.uk/winterwarmthsupport/
If residents wish to help with the local community effort to support local vulnerable families and individuals there are many ways to make donations of food and other items as well as volunteering opportunities. For more information, visit: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/householdsupport/