Norfolk County Council has launched its Winter Support Scheme at norfolk.gov.uk/covidwintersupport
Anyone in Norfolk suffering financial hardship this winter could receive help and support from the Norfolk Covid Winter Support Scheme.
Norfolk County Council, alongside local councils across Norfolk, is aiming to support as many residents as possible this winter to access financial and other support if they are facing hardship.
The Scheme is particularly aimed at families and will provide support for those suffering financial hardship over the winter months due to Covid-19. Support is available with food and utility bills.
Applications to the new support scheme can be made online, via the existing Norfolk Assistance Scheme pages at www.norfolk.gov.uk/NAS or applicants can call 0344 800 8020. From Wednesday 2 December, assistance in applying online will also be available through Norfolk Libraries.
In addition to this scheme Norfolk County Council is working with food voucher company Edenred to provide support for all those eligible for free school meals, children in the early years who receive pupil premium and all of the council’s care leavers during the Christmas holidays.
Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “The impact of Covid-19 on households in Norfolk has been huge, and we know some people have found it hard to get by as a result. There is no reason anyone in Norfolk should have to go hungry or cold this winter, and this scheme will help people in need through the coldest months of the year.
“Whether it’s food or bills, our Winter Support scheme offers a lifeline to those worst hit by this pandemic and its effects. I’d encourage those who need help to apply and get the support they need.”
The Covid Winter Support scheme can help with:
- Day to day living costs, including food and energy bills
- Daily essentials such as toiletries, sanitary products and nappies
- Food vouchers for the school holidays
As part of the wider package of support for families this winter, the council is also extending the Norfolk Assistance Scheme, which already provides support for food, fuel, clothes and other essential household items to Norfolk’s residents experiencing hardship.
More information is available online at www.norfolk.gov.uk/covidwintersupport or www.norfolk.gov.uk/NAS
Funding for winter support schemes has come from a range of sources:
- A £1m grant from Defra. £200k of this has been allocated to Norfolk Community Foundation and the remainder has been used to supplement the Norfolk Assistance Scheme (NAS)
- £500k of additional government Covid grant
- £2.7m of Covid Winter Grant, which will be used to fund the Edenred scheme and extend the reach of NAS
- £1.15m of the council’s core budgets – including funding for NAS
Self-isolation support
Some residents are also entitled to a self-isolation support payment of £500. To help someone apply for this, or to find out more please click here.