Families and individuals struggling to cope financially, due to the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns, are being reminded that help to pay for food and energy, as well as essential items, is available from the County Council’s connect4communities programme via the Citizens Advice Service and local community groups across Hampshire.
A ‘connect4communities’ grant of £100,000 has been awarded to the Citizens Advice Service in Hampshire specifically to support families and people in need with energy costs.
Councillor Patricia Stallard, the County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services and Young People, said: “Voluntary, community and third sector organisations are in the ideal position to provide support on our behalf because they are local to the people who need this help and they know their communities best.
“Many families and individuals are finding they are under extra pressure now because of the pandemic, perhaps because of a job loss, and are struggling to pay for the basics – like fuel to heat their homes. Our ‘connect4communities’ programme is designed to provide the helping hand that people in this position need.”
People can find their nearest branch of Citizens Advice on the Service’s website and, on the connect4communities online directory, search for local sources of other welfare support.
In addition to the help being made available through the Citizens Advice Service, the County Council is calling for community groups to apply for grants to help fund activities in their area that aim to combat food and fuel poverty by helping to build resilience in their communities. Community, voluntary and charity groups can apply for a Community Grant via the connect4communities.org website.