Somerset families and residents who are struggling to pay the bills this winter could be eligible for support with the cost of food, energy, water, and other essentials over the coming months.

Somerset Council will be distributing £3.8m to those in need between October 2024 and March 2025 as part of the Government’s Household Support Fund. The funding will be spent as follows:

• To provide food and fuel vouchers and essential items directly to those in need. These applications can be made by Social Workers, Health Visitors, Village Agents, Social Prescribing Link Workers and Parent Family Support Advisers on a household’s behalf, which will ensure that those who are unable to apply themselves can still benefit.
• To support Age UK Somerset, Citizens Advice Somerset, Community Council for Somerset and Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership to deliver their vital support for the county’s most vulnerable families and residents.
• To be used during the school holidays to provide food vouchers worth £10 a week to children eligible for Free School Meals, supporting at least 15,000 children this winter.
• To support Somerset Community Foundation’s Help Through Winter Fund, including support for four initiatives:

1. Support for hard-to-reach rural communities via local warm hubs, using local community spaces to support families and residents to access help such as help with training or employment opportunities and food banks, larders and pantries.
2. Cost of living grants for frontline organisations who are experiencing increased demand during the winter period to ensure they can continue to supply services for the community such as free wellbeing activities or free-to-use community transport.
3. Grants for vulnerable families and older people to help cover heating costs and activities to reduce loneliness and isolation.
4. Supporting charities which help homeless people, including helping fund essential furniture such as white goods.

Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Finance, Procurement and Performance, Councillor Liz Leyshon said:

We know that many Somerset households will continue to be affected by the cost-of-living crisis this winter, so this additional funding will make a real difference in the lives of our most vulnerable residents.

We have ensured that the funding is allocated across community groups and through Somerset Community Foundation with a view to supporting people of all ages and abilities in our communities. Our partnership with local community groups is critical to ensuring that the help reaches those who need it most.

For more information, visit: Somerset Household Support Fund.

In addition to the Household Support Fund, the following support is available for Somerset communities:

• Food support for families – Anyone in need of urgent food supplies can find out about food support here: Food support for families in Somerset.
• Foodbanks and pantries – There are many food banks in Somerset where individuals can go to collect free food. Find out more and see an interactive map here: Food banks (somerset.gov.uk).
• Libraries – All Somerset libraries have been designated as Warm Welcome Spaces, which means anyone in the community is welcome to come and spend time in the library. Find a local library here: Our libraries (somerset.gov.uk).
• Pension Credit – Residents are also encouraged to check if they could be eligible for Pension Credit, which provides extra money to help with living costs for people over state pension age and on a low income. Apply online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit, or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
• Help4All – There is further information and advice, including help with Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Public and Community Transport on the Help4All website. Find out more: #Help4All (connectsomerset.org.uk).