Vulnerable families in Dorset will receive help with the costs of food and fuel this winter.
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.
Some of this money will be used to make sure families who need it, including those who receive free school meals, receive food vouchers during the Christmas holidays and February half term. Families will receive details of this scheme direct from their school.
Dorset Council is also working with partner agencies to target support to help families facing fuel poverty this winter, more details will be available soon.
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 and provide help with other essentials, such as heating.
“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: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/education-and-training/schools-and-learning/at-school/free-school-meals.aspx
Families can also pick-up free coats and pyjamas from 14-20 December, details are available here: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/coats-and-pjs-for-kids
Support for all residents, including information about accessing food, financial support and help with isolation is available here: https://news.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/2020/12/03/winter-help-and-support/
