Many residents we are working with are facing financial hardship due to the impact of the pandemic and many are struggling to put food on the table, stay warm, and buy essentials. I am pleased to announce that Cornwall Council has secured a government grant to provide additional financial and practical help to our families.The Covid Winter Grant can be used to provide financial help to any households we are working with who are facing financial hardship and who would benefit from this support.

The fund is £1.8 million from central government and 80% of the cash will go towards families with children while the remaining money will go to other households struggling because of the pandemic. Over £650,000 of this funding has already been allocated towards funding Free School Meals provision during the Christmas holiday period and February Half Term.

We need you to identify those most in need who are facing the greatest financial hardship and who are in need of this financial support.

The conditions of the grant specify that financial help can be given in the following areas:

• Food
• Energy and water bills for household purposes (including drinking, washing, cooking, central heating, and sanitary purposes) and sewerage.
• Other essentials (including sanitary products, warm clothing, soap, blankets, boiler service/repair, purchase of equipment including fridges, freezers, ovens, etc.)

Please consider all residents who you are working with who are facing financial hardship and who are in need of this financial support. All grants must be allocated by the end of March. We want as many eligible residents as possible to benefit. So, please make sure you identify households and make the requests now so that they don’t miss out.

To apply for the Covid Winter Grant, please use the contact information below.

For items relating to home heating such as fuel bills or breakdown in heating equipment such as oil tanks or boiler repair please contact Community Energy Plus by emailing advice@cep.org.uk or phoning 0800 954 1956.

For help with food and other essential household items visit our website.