Published on Monday 22 July 2024
Residents in financial need across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can apply today for financial support, thanks to the Government-funded Household Support Fund (HSF).
The award of £2.6 million was made to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council in April 2024 for a period of six months. The HSF will fund household grants and local support schemes to provide short-term financial help for vulnerable households, focusing on costs associated with food, energy and other essentials.
BCP Council is working closely with partners to help households most in need.
Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will be issuing household grants on behalf of the council. Applications open on Monday 22 July until Friday 16 August.
Funds have also been allocated to provide a small grants scheme for the voluntary and community sector, administered by Dorset Community Foundation. BCP Food and Energy Support Fund has awarded grants for projects including lunch clubs and community pantries.
Councillor Millie Earl, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities said:
“Many residents continue to experience financial difficulty, with lots of families struggling to access food during the summer holidays.
"The Household Support Fund provides huge support to residents through our household grants scheme, and I would like to thank the Citizen’s Advice for all their support in delivering this scheme.
"I am also delighted to see so many valuable community projects successfully awarded funding to help local people who are in need of support over the summer months and thank Dorset Community Foundation for helping us with the allocation of funding.”
Zoe Bradley, Chief Executive Officer for Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole said:
“Despite inflation holding steady, household costs are still at exceptionally high levels with rents and essential living costs across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole at some of the highest rates on record.
“The Household Support Fund continues to be a lifeline for thousands of local households. Over the summer months, energy costs may be lower for many, but other essential expenditures rise as families spend more time together during the school holidays. At Citizens Advice we will continue to work closely with BCP Council and our community partners to identify options for any BCP resident who may find themselves struggling to make ends meet.”
The BCP Food and Energy Support Fund has awarded grants totalling £200,000 to 31 local community and voluntary groups to fund projects to help residents access food and stay healthy. The projects include:
- Grounded Community, Bournemouth to evolve its food box scheme into a community pantry.
- It's All About Culture in Boscombe will provide free weekly multi-cultural lunches at the We Are Humans café, ensuring no-one needs to go hungry.
- Home-Start Wessex will support homeless families with children staying in hostels, providing urgent assistance and access to grants, benefits, housing, food and essentials.
Grant Robson, Director of Dorset Community Foundation added:
“Together with the support of BCP Council we have already helped dozens of groups get families and individuals through some very tough times. We are proud that the council continues to trust us to make the most effective use of this money and I’m delighted that as a result another 31 groups will be able to maintain and expand the vital work they are doing.
“Every project funded is making a real difference on their doorstep and thanks to this funding a great many people will eat better, feel more hopeful and be made to feel they are part of their community.”
The school holiday food support scheme to help families with children will be available through schools and Family Information Service for eligible under-fives.
Residents can access help and guidance from Ridgewater Energy, which includes energy advice home visits.
Residents can also access cost-of-living information at our libraries.
Further information:
Find out more about Household Support Grant vouchers: Household Support Fund (HSF) | BCP (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)
Citizens Advice BCP continue to support residents, offering advice and guidance.: www.citizensadvicebcp.org.uk
School holiday vouchers are administered by children’s schools. Eligible families with children under five can apply through Family Information Service: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/communities/cost-of-living-help/cost-of-living-help-with-money/household-support-fund-hsf
Free Energy and Money Advice booklets from Ridgewater Energy are available on their website and in community venues. More information about how Ridgewater Energy can help www.ridgewaterenergy.co.uk, info@ridgewaterenergy.co.uk or phone 01202 612726.