Stoke-on-Trent City Council with the help of a wide range of local partners, are distributing support worth £2.68 million on behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions, to support the most vulnerable households across the county with food, utilities, and other essentials over the winter period.
The money is our share of the government’s Household Support Fund which will run from 1 October 2022 until the 31 March 2023. The fund is available to support both adults (without dependent children) and families with children and will be made available to vulnerable households who need additional financial support during the winter months.
Who is eligible for the scheme?
Children and Families
Support will be provided to families with children who would ordinarily qualify for free school meals if -
- they are in receipt of income related free school meals
- they are in receipt of early years pupil premium and two-year funding
- they are care leavers up to age 25
These families will receive a one-off food voucher for £30 to cover the Easter Holiday period.
For further information on this scheme, please click Food Vouchers | Food Vouchers | Stoke-on-Trent The scheme will open 17 March 2023.
Trusted practitioners/professionals, such as Social Workers/Support workers who are supporting vulnerable families with children in Stoke on Trent who are in situations of ‘genuine need’, will be able to assist and advise on household essentials such as energy/fuel costs, clothing or food vouchers. They will either be able to provide vouchers or refer individuals to partner organisations for support. Referrers must detail the individuals’ circumstances in line with fund eligibility.
Vulnerable adults
Trusted practitioners/professionals, such as Social Workers/Support workers who are supporting vulnerable adults and couples without children in Stoke on Trent who are in situations of ‘genuine need’ will be able to assist and advise on household essentials such as energy/fuel costs, clothing or food vouchers. They will either be able to provide vouchers or refer individuals to partner organisations for support. Referrers must detail the individuals’ circumstances in line with fund eligibility.
What support is available?
- Supermarket vouchers providing support with food and clothing (dependent on the supermarket).
- Help with water bills through the Water Support Scheme - click here to complete the online form.
Other sources of support
Information on services and organisations that are available to offer support is available on our Stronger Together through Winter page or VAST website. Click the link below:
Stronger Together through Winter
You can also find information on other areas of support via our Support Services page. Click the link below:
If you require help with food/essentials, you can contact:
- Referral to the Foodbank - https://stokeontrent.foodbank.org.uk/
- YMCA Community Pantry - https://ymcans.org.uk/yourlocalpantry/
- Affordable Food Stoke - HOME - Affordable Food Stoke
- Port Vale Foundation-Community Engagement - Port Vale Foundation Trust
If you require advice and information on energy/fuel costs, you can contact:
- Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Citizens Advice - call 0808 278 78 76 or email pmw@casns.org.uk
- Potteries Moneywise - call 01782 408685
- Beat The Cold – call 01782 914915 or visit https://www.beatcold.org.uk/contact-us/
- Groundworks will also support regarding energy vouchers - wmgreendoctor@groundwork.org.uk
- Money Matters Team money@saltbox.org.uk www.communitymoneyadvice.com/centre/money-matters