Lancashire County Council are working closely with local authority partners, as well as the community and voluntary sectors across Lancashire, to support people whose lives have become more difficult because of Covid-19.

The national Winter Grant is available for families and individuals who need extra help.

You can find a link to this information here: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/your-health-and-wellbeing/covid-winter-grant-scheme/

The grant aims to support families and vulnerable individuals with:

• Access to food for the Christmas and February half term holiday
• Help with household energy bills

Those who are set to benefit include

• Families eligible for benefits related free school meals/Vulnerable Families with pre-school children and other vulnerable families
• Looked after children (16 and 17 year olds) in semi-independent provision
• Care leavers
• Vulnerable households - The council will identify which vulnerable households are in most need of support and apply its own discretion when identifying eligibility.

We are working with schools and education providers to ensure families eligible for benefits related free school meals will receive vouchers directly for the Christmas holidays.

Other payment mechanisms are being put in place for other qualifying families and individuals to ensure distribution of the initial vouchers for food prior to the Christmas holidays.

We also would like to remind you that our Emergency Assistance Grant Scheme is still available for residents who have been affected by COVID19. This scheme is for residents who cannot afford essential bills, food, and household appliances. It can also be used to help buy school uniforms.

If you know of anyone who may need some additional support, do ask that they get in touch with our Community Hub by either completing the online form: http://www.lancaster.gov.uk/emergency-assistance-grant or calling the Hub directly on: 01524 582000, 9am-5pm, Monday -Friday.

If you have suffered a loss or reduction in your income due to Coronavirus, our guide explains the different ways you may be able to get financial help.