Applications for grant funding are now open to organisations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight who can offer advice to vulnerable families on a range of issues including finance, health and wellbeing, housing and employment. The support given will benefit families enrolled on this summer’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which provides fun and enriching activities to do over the summer holidays, together with a healthy, nutritious meal.
Councillor Roz Chadd, the County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “We know that school holidays can be a real pinch point for families facing hardship, and our summer HAF programme will provide a valuable lifeline to those most in need. As well as food and activities, families taking part in the programme will also have access to further support on other issues which may be affecting them. Our Signposting Grant is open to organisations that can provide wider support like this, in order to be able to form a joint offer with HAF providers in their area to more effectively meet local need.”
Signposting grants are now available to organisations from the private, voluntary and public sectors who are best placed to provide suitable support services, working in partnership with HAF providers local to them. In total, £35,000 is being made available for the summer programme in Hampshire and £20,000 for the Isle of Wight. This forms part of the wider HAF funding awarded to both councils by the Department for Education.
Individual grants of up to £4,500 are on offer and can be used to deliver a range of activities, with a preference to fund organisations offering face-to-face or virtual advice sessions. Applications for provision of printed or digital resources may also be considered.
Organisations eligible to apply may include Citizen’s Advice, healthcare providers, family support services, housing support services, Jobcentre Plus and more.
The deadline for applying for a Signposting Grant is Sunday 3 July 2022. Organisations wishing to find out more should go to the connect4communities website for the full guidance and application form.