Supporting those in need this half term and beyond

Community, Democracy and Local Affairs, Health and Social Care, Homepage

Residents across Buckinghamshire who may be concerned about feeding their families or struggling to pay their heating bills are being urged not to worry, help is available.

 

Buckinghamshire Council will continue its support to children and families this October half term as part of its ongoing Helping Hand service, which was set up last year during the pandemic. It provides a range of assistance to those who need it including helping to get food on the table and other support and advice. This half term the council  will continue to work in partnership with local voluntary and community organisations who will provide a variety of services including food banks, community fridges and hot meal initiatives so that support and help is available to everyone who needs it.  

 

The government recently announced its Household Support Fund to help council’s provide assistance to those most in need in their local area. Buckinghamshire has received £2.4m which will be used to support people to feed themselves and their families, provide everyday essentials and ensure they can heat their homes this winter. Work is currently going on to identify those who are most in need of the support within the county and what the best ways of doing this are.

 

Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Communities said: “We know that many of our residents are worried about the coming months and how they will cope. With recent changes to Universal Credit and the end of the furlough scheme, for some, it can be very hard to make ends meet but no-one should suffer in silence.

 

“There is a wide range of help and support out there so please don’t despair. We are working hard to get the right help to those most in need and we are working with our voluntary and community sector partners to ensure that all those who need help are supported.”

 

Steve continued: Whilst we will provide immediate support where needed, this is not just a short-term fix. Where possible, we also want to provide the longer-term help and support needed to empower people to take control of their own situation and help them to access the variety of services and support out there.”

 

Anyone in need of support can contact the Helping Hand team on 01296 531151.

Residents can also visit https://directory.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/ to find out what is available in their local area.