Vulnerable families in Dorset will receive help with the costs of food, as well as other support, this Christmas.
Families who need it, including those who receive free school meals, will receive food vouchers during the Christmas holidays and also at February half term. Families have been given details of the scheme direct from their school.
Dorset Council has been awarded up to £922,153 from the government’s Covid Winter Grant Scheme to support children and families across the county.
Dorset Council is also working with partner agencies to target support to help families with utility bills, such as electric, gas and water. Details of this scheme are being finalised and will be published here shortly.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “I am very pleased we have been able to secure this money so we can support children and families in Dorset this winter. This money will be used to prevent food hunger.
“These are difficult times and helping our most vulnerable families, who have been hard-hit by the pandemic, is vital. We are working hard with schools and our partner agencies across Dorset to target help where it is needed most.”
At least 80 per cent of the Covid Winter Grant will be used to help vulnerable families in Dorset, some of the remaining 20 per cent will either be used to support other vulnerable residents across the area or will also be spent supporting families.
Information about how to apply for free school meals is available here.
Support for all residents, including information about accessing food, financial support and help with isolation is available here.
We have a home fully run on electric, we are using the cheapest company we could find, but our home leaks heat as the windows are in need of repair a d water gets in the windows and house bricks, we are spending over £100 a week on electric. We are on full benefits but struggle . We used to get free school meals but we home educate so don’t get help. Is there anything we can do to help our finances? Thank you
Hi Jemma. Please visit https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/emergencies-severe-weather/emergencies/coronavirus/reaching-out/reaching-out-financial-and-emotional-support-during-covid-19.aspx This will guide you to help and advice. Best wishes, Alex.
We have a home fully run on electric, we are using the cheapest company we could find, but our home leaks heat as the windows are in need of repair a d water gets in the windows and house bricks, we are spending over £100 a week on electric. We are on full benefits but struggle . We used to get free school meals but we home educate so don’t get help. Is there anything we can do to help our finances? Thank you