The announcement completes the allocations for the current round of funding, which is awarded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and closes at the end of March. Focused on providing practical assistance such as food and household essentials, the DWP recently announced that it will continue to support the programme in Hampshire for the next financial year.
Councillor Edward Heron, Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: "We are delighted to be able to support these local groups and charities through the Household Support Fund. The rising cost of living has had a significant impact on the lives of many individuals and families across Hampshire this winter and it is heartening to see such a strong response from our local communities to helping their neighbours."
He added: "We would like to thank all the groups who applied for funding and are pleased to be able to support those whose projects will have the most impact in their local neighbourhoods. In total, we have approved grants of more than £750,000 in the last six months to local groups, schools and community pantries, who are able to reach those most in need and make a positive difference.”
The latest grants include:
- £1,000 to Christ Church in Crookham, who have partnered with Christians Against Poverty to run Life Skills courses for local families, and to provide heated clothes airers to households;
- £2,000 to Andover Community Engage, to extend their clothing bank facility for a further 40 families;
- £7,750 to Four Acre Farm in Ringwood, supporting 100 people to grow and harvest food for the local community fridge and food banks.
Citizen’s Advice have also received £90,000 to provide direct assistance with fuel costs to people in Hampshire. This is in addition to £600,000 they have already allocated in the past six months for this purpose. Other successful applicants include a range of organisations, from established charities to newly formed community groups, and further details can be found on the County Council’s connect4communities web pages. The grants will enable these organisations to continue their vital work in helping those most in need.
The connect4communities website also includes details of schools and community pantries which have received grants from the Household Support Fund, as well as holiday activity and food clubs for school children (funded by the Department for Education).
The County Council encourages any residents who may be struggling during these difficult times to reach out to their local community groups and charities for support.
