Residents struggling with the cost of living can apply for financial help as a new round of support funding is now open. 

Designed to help those with children, bills, or household essentials, the Hardship Alliance is working alongside Wokingham Borough Council to deliver the Household Support fund. 

Executive member for equalities, inclusion and fighting poverty, Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, acknowledged that many residents are “struggling” due to the soaring cost of living, many of whom “have never needed to ask for help before”. 

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The council has partnered with volunteers and community sector partners to help and is urging those in need of support to reach out as soon as possible. 

This Hardship Alliance is made up of a group of five local charities; Citizens Advice Wokingham, First Days Children’s Charity, Age UK Berkshire, Wokingham Foodbank and Wokingham United Charities, alongside Wokingham Borough Council. 

Chair of the Hardship Alliance and Manager at Wokingham United Charities, Amy Garstang, said the fund is available “to support the vulnerable people in our area quickly” and ensure they get the help they need.  

“Financial pressures continue to squeeze more members of our communities into problems they may not have faced before. These grants can provide a lifeline to those in need,” she added. 

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The latest round of the Household Support Fund follows an earlier installment earlier this year, which the council said provided support for “hundreds of those most vulnerable and in need”. 

Anyone who wishes to apply can do so by submitting one application per household, either by contacting Citizens Advice Wokingham, or reaching out to Age UK Berkshire, via email or phone. 

Pupils getting means-tested free school meals can get £15 per week, per eligible child, during the school holidays. This applies for half terms, Christmas and Easter holidays up the May 2023 half-term. An application can be made by applying through the First Days Children’s Charity website.   

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Whilst this fund is specifically designed to help those who are struggling to pay for food and other essentials, further support is available to help those facing other challenges. These include difficulties with debt, benefit claims, mental health, isolation, and unfair dismissal.  

“If you are struggling to pay council tax or rent, please talk directly to the council.  We are particularly concerned about residents who live alone, are older or have a disability,” Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth said.    

“Please look out for friends, relatives and neighbours and pass this information onto anyone who you think might need it.”