HSF cost of living support
Published
Tuesday 19 November, 2024
Updated
Tuesday 19 November, 2024
Swale residents struggling with the cost of living crisis can receive crucial support to help pay their bills and feed their families.
Swale Borough Council has received over £250,000 from Kent County Council’s (KCC) Household Support Fund to help people access food boxes, get vouchers to pay their energy bills and buy items needed to keep warm until the end of March 2025.
The money is being used to support local organisations, community groups and charities who have been on the ground helping people navigate the cost of living crisis.
The Family Foodbank, Swale Food Bank and Diversity House will be providing people in need with emergency food parcels.
Children & Families will also be providing a one off pre-paid card to help people pay their energy bills, while their Fuel & Water Advisor service will give out essentials and fuel advice.
Age UK will be providing hot meals and food shopping, while West Faversham Community Association will be offering cooked meals to children within the borough.
Citizens Advice Swale will be giving people advice and supporting people to access all that the Household Support Fund has to offer.
The previous round of funding (round five) helped over 11,000 households receive food and fuel vouchers, food parcels, white goods, advice and more from local organisations.
Cllr Richard Palmer, chair of the Community Committee, said:
“We know that many people in Swale are struggling with the cost of living crisis, and the issues they face are compounded during the winter months when their energy bills rise.
“That is where the Household Support Fund can step in, giving local organisations the tools and funding to help the most vulnerable members of our community.
“They have been doing an incredible job in the previous rounds, reaching the people in need in our community when they need the help the most.
“If you are struggling this winter please look into the support this fund can provide, there is help available and we want you to utilise everything it can offer to its fullest.”
Ian Townsend-Blazier, Head of Development at Children & Families, said:
“We know many households are still struggling with the cost of living crisis, and for many pensioners they will be worse off this winter.
“It has been really important for us to be able to provide fuel support, advice and vouchers, and also provide food boxes through our Family Food Bank network to those in need, and we are pleased to continue this service working closely with Swale Borough Council and wider partner organisations.
“Through the HSF Scheme, our aim is to ensure no one in need struggles in silence, and we would encourage everyone to look at the support available across the borough and reach out.”
All of the details for how to access support are on Swale Borough Council’s website: www.swale.gov.uk/hsf
