Cost of living support for BCP residents extended for six months
It's for help with food, energy and household essentials costs
A fund helping to support the most vulnerable households in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has been extended for another six months.
ÂŁ2.6 million is being handed out until the end of September to help with costs linked to food, energy and household essentials.
More than 26,000 people in the towns have been supported by grants over the last year.
Councillor Millie Earl, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities said:
“The cost-of-living crisis remains with us, with many residents experiencing financial difficulty, especially with the increase in the cost of food and fuel.
"The Household Support Fund has provided a lifeline for many of our residents, and this six-month funding will help us support residents in financial need through our grant scheme, along with the school holiday vouchers for school children and under-fives.
“We value the incredible work that local community groups and charitable organisations are doing to support those in need and welcome the reopening of BCP Food and Energy Fund for grant applications from Dorset Community Foundation to help fund community activities to support residents most in need.”
The BCP Food and Energy Support Fund is now open for applications from the community and voluntary sector to fund a variety of cost-of-living initiatives until the end of September.
The deadline to apply for grants of up to ÂŁ8,500 is 7th June.
Zoe Bradley, Chief Executive Office for Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole said:
“The extension of the Household Support Fund to 30 September 2024 will be a further lifeline for vulnerable households across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who are continuing to face challenges in meeting essential living costs for food, utilities, and clothing.
“Alongside BCP Council colleagues and partner charities, Citizens Advice has been lobbying for an extension to the fund which has to-date been accessed by thousands of vulnerable households across BCP since the fund was introduced in October 2021.
“The ongoing impact of high essential living costs continue to have a devastating impact on those already struggling to make ends meet.
“Citizens Advice Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole are committed in continuing the combined collaborative effort to support vulnerable individuals and households across BCP, and would like to thank the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole community for their patience and support as more and more of our neighbours reach out for help”.
Grant Robson, Director of Dorset Community Foundation said:
“We are very pleased to continue our working relationship with BCP Council. We are delighted that, because we can tailor our programmes to meet our donors and partners’ exact requirements, we are able to deliver funding that meets the council’s objectives. It means that this money makes the biggest possible impact by going to the grass roots groups who are working so hard to meet the ever-increasing need in their communities.
“All of the projects funded through this partnership are making a massive difference and because of it there are thousands of families and individuals who will be better cared for and made to feel a valued part of their community.”