FAMILIES in Warwickshire struggling in the face of the rocketing cost of living are being reminded help is available.
Following the Government release of its Cost of Living Support package, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) has put measures in place to help residents.
The council has reached out to families eligible for free school meals to offer vouchers for food during the school half-term holiday this week and will be distributing another round of DWP Household Support Fund payments toward fuel to eligible residents and those in need later in June.
WCC’s Local Welfare Scheme continues to help the county’s most vulnerable residents at times of unavoidable crisis when they have no other means and can provide financial support and advice for people to meet household costs.
The scheme also gives residents information about further support available from other public, community and voluntary services around the county.
This includes debt and money management advice, family information and support, help to access food and household essentials and putting people in touch with local emotional health and wellbeing services.
People are encouraged to look online – www.warwickshire.gov.uk/localwelfarescheme – and get in touch, either for themselves or on behalf of someone else, to find out what help is available.
WCC leader Coun Izzi Seccombe said: “This is a time of increased strain for people and rising household energy bills will leave many residents feeling concerned about how they will feed their families and run their homes.
“Warwickshire is a community that cares and we want people to find the support they need on our website and through engagement with our services and those of our partners in the public, community and voluntary sectors. The county’s district and borough councils are also on hand to provide help and support along with smaller community groups.
“We must not ignore the wider impact that financial strain places on families and individuals and I urge people to protect their wellbeing at this time.
“Council advice to stay mentally and physically well, combat loneliness and support one another is also available through our family and health webpages. I hope people will seek out these resources and ask for help if they need it.”
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/facinghardship for more information.
