Could your organisation help vulnerable families this Christmas?

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL are inviting organisations to apply for funding that will help them provide vital support to vulnerable families during the upcoming Christmas holidays.

Applications for the County Council’s Signposting Grant must be received by 9 October. Recipients will work in partnership with organisations delivering the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which provides enriching activities and healthy meals to eligible children during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays.

Councillor Roz Chadd, Deputy Leader of the County Council and Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “The rising cost of living continues to be keenly felt by the most vulnerable families in our communities. With the added burden that comes with the festive period, I know that our HAF programme will bring some welcome relief to those facing difficulty.

“However, we know many families who engage with the programme are often faced with other, more complex issues beyond the immediate pressures of the school holidays. We are keen to ensure that there is wider support available at a local level and that families are equipped with the tools they need to better manage these challenges in the long term. Applications are now open to organisations that can enhance our HAF programme in this way, providing valuable advice on a range of issues such as finance, health and wellbeing, employment and housing.”

In total, £25,000 is being made available for local signposting activities over the Christmas holiday in Hampshire. This forms part of the wider HAF funding awarded to the County Council by the Department for Education.

Individual grants of up to £4,500 are available to organisations from across the private, public and voluntary sectors. Eligible applicants may include Citizens Advice, healthcare providers, family support services, housing support services, Jobcentre Plus and more.

Grants can be used to fund a range of activities, including face-to-face and virtual advice sessions as well as printed and digital resources.

Organisations wishing to find out more should visit the connect4communties website for the full guidance and application form.