Help for those struggling with cost of living extended until September
Wiltshire Council has confirmed that it will continue to work in partnership with a number of local organisations and internal departments to distribute the £2.7 million Household Support Fund 2024 from Government.
The Household Support Fund is provided by Government to support low-income households that would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs during the current cost-of-living challenges.
This includes families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people. Wiltshire Council has also identified that support is required for the homeless/rough sleepers, Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Boater Community.
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health said, The extension of the Household Support Fund for Wiltshire residents is most welcome. The funding will enable us to continue to deliver this support those most in need until September. Wiltshire Council and third sector organisations will work together to support households that are struggling the most with food and energy bills. The support will be provided through food parcels, energy vouchers, supermarket vouchers, household items and meals.
Whilst immediate needs will be prioritised, councils are encouraged to use the fund to provide support that has a long-term sustainable impact, for example for the purchase of household items which will reduce bills in the long-term, beyond September 2024. Examples of sustainable support may include kitchen appliances, efficient heating systems, courses or advice to provide support in the longer term.
Fiona Oliver, Wiltshire Community Foundation Joint Chief Executive said: We are pleased to continue our work with Wiltshire Council to distribute the Household Support Fund 2024 grants to charity and community groups working with those most in need across Wiltshire.
This fund will enable these groups to continue their work while it is still very much needed. For information about our grants and eligibility criteria visit our website www.wiltshirecf.org.uk (opens new window).
Jonathan Twomey, Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) said; At CSE our mission is to end the suffering caused by cold homes. Through our dedicated advice line and direct support services, we understand the hardships faced by many people across the region. That's why we're pleased to deliver the Household Support Fund grants through our 'Warm and Safe Wiltshire' initiative. Warm and Safe Wiltshire can now provide eligible residents with e-vouchers for essential needs like food and energy costs, as well as energy efficiency upgrades like replacement boilers or storage heaters.
Information about the Household Support Fund 2024 will be available at Household Support Fund 2024 (HSF2024).
Wiltshire Council also provides cost-of-living advice and support, which can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/cost-of-living.
About the charities
Wiltshire Community Foundation
Wiltshire Community Foundation is an independent charity. They exist to tackle disadvantage and strengthen local communities by inspiring philanthropy and supporting the voluntary sector.
Their mission is to maximise the impact of charitable activity by connecting people, information and resources.
Find out more at www.wiltshirecf.org.uk (opens new window)
Reg Number: 1123126
Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE)
Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) is a charity supporting people and organisations across the UK to tackle the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes. We do this by sharing our knowledge, practical experience and policy insights.
For over 40 years, we've supported people to take effective action on energy in their homes. We help communities and local councils to understand energy issues, set priorities and put plans into action. Our research and analysis is focused on making the energy system greener, smarter and fairer.
Find out more at www.cse.org.uk (opens new window) or call 0800 038 5722
Reg Number: 298740
Other sources of Third Party Organisation Support via HSF 2024
Turning Point
Turning Point work with people who need our support with their drug and alcohol use, mental health, offending behaviour, unemployment issues and people with a learning disability. They aim to inspire and empower them to discover new possibilities in their lives.
Everything they do is aimed at providing good quality, person-centred services in the right location at the right time, making a real difference for the people and communities they support.
Find out more at www.turning-point.co.uk (opens new window)
Reg Number: 234887
FearFree
FearFree, are working to break the cycle of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
With highly professional, fully trained and hugely caring teams who work across communities in the Southwest; providing personalised support services to help victims change or move on from abusive relationships; supporting people who have experienced sexual violence or stalking, supporting children and young people affected by abuse to move on with their lives and; running voluntary programmes for perpetrators to help them change their behaviour.
Find out more at www.fearfree.org.uk (opens new window)
Reg Number: 1064764
Wiltshire Citizens Advice
We are an independent charity committed to helping people successfully deal with life's problems.
We provide the advice people need for the problems they face.
We provide free, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities.
www.citizensadvicewiltshire.org.uk/get-advice (opens new window)
Selwood Housing
At Selwood Housing, we provide local, affordable homes.
We own and manage over 7,000 homes for rent and shared ownership in the south west and are growing. Our ambition is to build 1,700 more affordable homes by 2034, to help tackle the housing crisis. As a charity, our surplus is reinvested into new homes, our existing properties and into our communities.
Selwood Housing Society: Cost of living (opens new window)
Sovereign (SNG)
We are a leading housing association, striving to provide quality, affordable homes in happy, successful places. We have deep roots in the south of England, with over 60,000 homes in the south, south west and the Isle of Wight - and 84,000 in total across SNG with the addition of homes in London and Hertfordshire following our merger.
We're driven by our social purpose, with customers at the heart of everything we do. We build homes and provide great services, but our work doesn't stop at the front door - we invest for the long-term, creating great places to live, working with customers and partners to support them in realising their potential.
Sovereign Housing Association: Cost of living support (opens new window)
White Horse Housing Association (WHHA)
For over 30 years WHHA has been building and managing homes in villages throughout the County of Wiltshire, the Borough of Swindon and its surrounding areas.
We focus on building homes to high environmental and space standards. Our 370 homes are at affordable rent for local people. We are responsive to the needs of our residents with over 91% saying that they are very or fairly satisfied with our performance as a landlord.
White Horse Housing Association: Universal Credit (opens new window)