These are some of the successful applications to the Kent Parish Council Winter Support Scheme.
And there is still time for projects making a difference in their community to see if they are eligible for a boost from central government funding,
The scheme welcomes approaches from new or existing initiatives helping people in financial hardship as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
Kent County Council (KCC) manages a portion of the Household Support Fund from the Department for Work and Pensions and this latest round includes a pot for distribution by parish, town and local councils.
It is there for a wide range of low-income households in need including families with children, older age people, unpaid carers and those living with a disability. All may be facing acute challenges.
The Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC) administers the grants once an application has passed successfully through a KCC panel process, with funds set to be received within days.
This scheme follows the successful Parish Council Community Cost of Living Support Scheme, which helped 9,800 residents through grants awarded to 37 projects including meal clubs, a hygiene bank, the supply of school uniforms and food vouchers.
The application process is a simple one and there is plenty of support available from both KALC and the KCC financial hardship team.
Applications are online and can be submitted up until 1 March 2024. It is on a first come, first served basis.
Members of the public: You can find contact details of your local parish council here: https://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/how-the-council-works/district-councils/parish-councils
Parish councils: To view the eligibility criteria and complete the application form, please follow this link: https://forms.office.com/e/wu1B38bVkS
If you need help with the form or have any questions, please email the Financial Hardship team via HelpingHands@kent.gov.uk adding reference Parish Council / KCC in the subject line.
Further information
Some of the successful applications to the Kent Parish Council Winter Support Scheme:
Dover Town Council is supporting Dover Foodbank to provide qualifying households with combined slow cookers/air fryers, a pack of easy-to-cook and nutritious recipes and support in developing healthy eating habits.
Eynsford Parish Council is supporting The Space, a community project set up as a warm space for elderly residents, providing breakfast and lunch with an opportunity to socialise and access advice.
Broadstairs and St Peters Town Council is supporting the GAP Project charity for three separate initiatives - the monthly family café, nappies and wipes packs for those families struggling to afford these "extras" and shopping vouchers for those families most in need.
Charing Parish Council is supporting a weekly food bank which also incorporates in the same building a warm hub and a free clothing bank for children.
Hythe Town Council is supporting the local food bank run by the Rainbow Centre in Folkestone and Shepway Food Bank and Hythe Pantry, supporting residents in need with the purchase of a weekly food shop including fresh fruit and vegetables and family favourites to stock up the cupboard and fridge.
Loose Parish Council is working with the Family Liaison Officer, Community Warden, Age UK and Social Prescribers to support those in need with the purchase of home essentials, white goods, school uniforms, food vouchers and hygiene packs.
