SUPPORT is available for Warwickshire residents struggling this winter.
Warwickshire County Council’s Local Welfare Scheme helps the county’s most vulnerable residents at times of unavoidable crisis when they have no other means of help. It can provide financial support and advice for people who need support to access food and utilities.
The scheme also signposts to further support available from other public, community and voluntary services around the county. They include debt and money management advice, family information and support, help to access essentials and putting people in touch with local emotional health and wellbeing services.
It will also administer the government’s one-off Covid Winter Grant between December 2020 and March 2021. The grant will provide some financial support for food, household essentials and utilities to help vulnerable families and individuals experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, poverty during the pandemic.
As part of the grant, the council is also proactively reaching out to families eligible for free school meals by providing the means to buy food during the school holiday period at Christmas.
Council environment spokeswoman Heather Timms said: “Winter is a time of increased strain for many people. Health concerns and caring responsibilities often increase, the cold weather and extra hours of darkness impact negatively on people’s mood and the pressure of Christmas and the financial burden it brings are common concerns. This is before we factor in living through a pandemic and facing personal sacrifice, isolation and hardship.
“In recognition of everyone’s struggles we are reaching out to communities to raise awareness of the invaluable support on offer at this time. I strongly encourage people to look online and get in touch with us, either for themselves or on behalf of someone else, to find out what help there is.
“Similarly anyone looking for ways to provide help to others in their community who may be in need can also find out how on the council’s website.”
Call 01926 359182 or 0800 408 1448 or visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/localwelfarescheme for more information.
