Get help with the cost of living from your local council

The Household Support Fund is currently available until September, which helps with essential costs like food and energy bills.

Each council decides how to run their schemes, so the eligibility on whether you can get help, and what kind of help, depends on where you live. Many councils are giving food vouchers to cover the school holidays for children eligible for free school meals. They’re also supporting holiday activities over the summer. They might also be giving out food or fuel vouchers for people who are on a low income, disabled or a care leaver.

Check out the following links to see what schemes are on offer at your local council.

Hampshire (they have also given money to district and borough councils in Hampshire too)

• https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/connectforcommunities/supportforfamilies
• https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/connectforcommunities/holidayactivities/haf-information

Portsmouth

• https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/benefits-and-support/help-and-support/money-advice/household-support-fund/
• https://www.pycportsmouth.co.uk/haffunpompey/

Southampton

• https://www.southampton.gov.uk/benefits-welfare/money-advice/household-support-fund/
• https://www.southampton.gov.uk/schools-learning/support-inclusion-education/haf/

Surrey

• https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/health-and-welfare/support/financial-support/household
• https://www.activesurrey.com/community/club4

West Sussex

• https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/leisure-recreation-and-community/household-support-fund/
• https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/education-children-and-families/support-for-families/holiday-activities-and-food-programme/

West Berkshire

• https://www.westberks.gov.uk/article/38537/Apply-for-the-Household-Support-Fund
• https://www.westberks.gov.uk/article/40859/Holiday-Activities-and-Food-HAF-Programme