The connect4communities programme run by Hampshire County Council provides a range of initiatives in place this winter to support vulnerable households. This has been possible by the funding we have been allocated from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund.
The programme includes:
- Free School Meal Vouchers
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Care Leavers- £50 food vouchers and additional support for other essentials.
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Support with Gas, Electric & Water Bills
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Support with Housing Costs
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Community Grants- A range of organisations funded over the coming months to support schemes in local areas
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Community Pantries- They work on the principle of giving those in need the opportunity to have a ‘helping hand’ by getting food at a lower price on a weekly basis. There are pantries in the constituency at Wickham Community Centre and Waterlooville Children's Centre. Information about where Community Pantries are currently located is also published on the directory: https://fish.hants.gov.uk/kb5/hampshire/directory/results.page?familychannel=2-6&qt=pantry&term=&sorttype=relevance&familychannel=0
I would encourage local organisations to apply for community grants and households to use their local community pantry. You can find more information on all aspects of the programme here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/connec…;
