Castle Hill Xmas Holiday Support Vouchers
Stockport Council are pleased to announce that families of school-age children who are eligible for income-based Free School Meals and those in early years with equivalent eligibility, will receive vouchers to the value of £30 per child to cover the Christmas holidays. The vouchers are to help with the cost of food and essential utilities and other essential living costs.
Families do not need to do anything to apply and will automatically receive a voucher for any child for who they have claimed income-based free school meals. Vouchers will only be sent to families who had a claim on or before 3 December 2021.
If you are eligible but have not received your voucher, be sure to check your spam/junk folders. If you still cannot find your voucher, visit?www.stockport.gov.uk/free-school-meals/holiday-support-voucher for more information.
For families where the council holds an email address, will receive an electronic voucher via the Post Office. For those where the council does not hold an email address, will be sent an Aldi supermarket voucher in the post
Vouchers will be sent out on, or before 16 December and will be valid for 1 month.
Other support available:
Holiday Activities
This Christmas holiday, there will be free and fun holiday activities and food for school-age children who are in receipt of means tested free school meals. To find out more visit: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/haf. If you need help to find information or to sign up for clubs and activities, please email HAF@stockport.gov.uk.
Your Local Pantry scheme
The Your Local Pantry scheme by Stockport Homes helps people access affordable food from 5 locations across the borough. Memberships range from standard (£3.50 per week) to family (£6.50 per week). In return members can collect a pre-packaged food bag of 10 items (standard) or 20 items (family) and includes a mixture of non-perishable items alongside fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled and frozen items. Over Christmas, the Pantry are offering members bonus food items in addition to their usual shop including fruit, veg and Christmas meal packs. Brinnington, Mottram Street and Bridgehall Pantries will also be open on 30th Dec from 10am - 1pm for any pantry member to access. For more information and to sign up, visit www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk.
Stockport Council Support Fund
If you're a Stockport resident, you can apply to Support Funds for help such as a food bank referral; help to find items that you may need in your home (cooker, fridge, washing machine); gas and electricity top up for prepaid meters; help paying your Council Tax; payment of a shortfall in rent; or help to apply to a charity or trust fund. For more information and to apply for help visit: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/financial-support-in-a-crisis.
Advice and Support
Additional support and advice can be found at: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/topic/money-advice-and-support-coronavirus
Health Start Vouchers
Families who have a child under the age of 4 or are pregnant, you may also be eligible for further support through the NHS Healthy Start Scheme. More information can be found at www.healthystart.nhs.uk. You can also ask a midwife or health visitor for help or phone the Healthy Start helpline on 0345 607 6823.
Foodbanks
To request a food bank referral, contact Stockport Citizens Advice on 0808 278 7803.
Stockport Council Welfare Rights Team
A team of experienced specialist advisers can represent you at benefits appeals or if you have a problem with your benefits. For more information, visit: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/help-with-benefit-appeals. If you need any help completing the form, you can contact the Welfare Rights Team by email at welfare.rights@stockport.gov.uk or by calling 0161 217 6003.
If you need help getting online, contact the DigiKnow Helpline on 07537 127095.
