Norfolk County Council to offer extra support to households this winter

Earlier this year, Norfolk County Council announced it would receive further funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to run the Household Support Fund until 31 March 2024.

The council is receiving £13.4m from central government and adding an additional £400,000 to make the total programme of support worth £13.8m. It is working closely with district, borough, and city councils, VCSE and public sector partners to identify and implement a range of support measures to meet the needs of vulnerable households.

To help people in Great Yarmouth understand how the Household Support Fund could support them, during the DWP's Household Support Fund Awareness Week (16-22 October), Norfolk County Council is holding a Help for Households drop-in event at Great Yarmouth Library on Wednesday 18 October from 10.30 to 3.00pm.

Leader of Norfolk County Council Cllr Kay Mason-Billig, said: "We are encouraging any residents who are struggling to make ends meet to come along and talk to us about the range of support and guidance available through the council's Household Support Fund.

"Our libraries have a long history of being welcoming spaces for all, so are ideally placed to offer non-judgemental support to those who need it most."

At the library event, people will be able to get information on:

• Emergency funding to help pay utility bills
• Local community supermarkets and food banks
• How to apply for free school meals and cost of living vouchers
• Learning opportunities available through Multiply's free maths courses
• Local support from Great Yarmouth Borough Council
• Information and mental health advice for young people aged 11-25
• Advice about managing money

There will be free hot drinks for everyone attending and for those with additional needs, free winter support items will be available.

As part of the Household Support Fund, all 47 of Norfolk's libraries will be offering free winter support items until the end of March 2024 (while stocks last). These include:

Hot water bottles

Blankets

Toiletries To Go bags

Tricky Period bags

Hot drinks and Just a Cuppa sessions - find a session at www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries

Slow cooker courses at Attleborough, Thetford, Tuckswood and Great Yarmouth libraries (includes a free slow cooker, bag of utensils and a cookbook) - book at www.norfolk.gov.uk/adultlearning

Mim Davies MP, Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression said: "Our £842 million extension to the Household Support Fund this year is delivering vital support at a local level to some of the most vulnerable families in England. Whether it be repurposing white goods for households who don't have the mans, providing free budget cooking classes or offering support for families struggling with their finances, this Household Support Fund Awareness Week and beyond, I encourage anyone struggling to get in touch with their local council to find out what support is available in their local area."

Find out how you could get help from the Household Support Fund at www.norfolk.gov.uk/costofliving