Help will be available this winter for vulnerable households and families with children whose lives have been particularly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Barnet Council has received just over £986,000 from the government’s COVID Winter Grant Scheme to be distributed to vulnerable residents who need help covering the cost of food, energy bills and other essentials over the winter months.
A large portion of the funding will be allocated through schools, early years providers, colleges and health visitors, with vouchers which can be redeemed at supermarkets.
Some funding will also be distributed with the help of the Young Barnet Foundation through organisations providing meals to children during holiday activities.
Assistance will also be available for vulnerable adults, with vouchers delivered via a range of local partners, additional supplies to foodbanks and grant awards through the Barnet Community Response Fund for local community groups offering support.
Barnet Council Leader, Councillor Dan Thomas, said: “This year will be an especially worrying time for residents who have been particularly affected by the pandemic. We will be using the Winter Grant Scheme to provide a helping hand to those in need.
“We recognise that this time of year can bring all sorts of pressures for low income households and those who have lost their job. So support will also include assistance for things like purchasing warm clothing or paying for boiler repairs.
“We will be working extremely hard over the coming weeks and months, alongside all of our partners, to make sure the support available reaches those in need.”
The council has also produced a simple guide for families outlining the full range of advice and support on offer. The guide includes information about children’s centres, financial support, food banks, community groups, mental health and well-being support, and employment and skills training.
The leaflet is being distributed to homes across the borough but is also available online.
Residents looking for more information about accessing the COVID Winter Grant Scheme can contact the council by calling its helpline on 0800 389 8312.
