Information on help with the cost of living is available at https://www.essex.gov.uk/help-cost-living.
Residents across the whole of Essex can apply to the Essential Living Fund if they are struggling financially
Funding will be available through different access points, including the Essential Living Fund, food support groups, community supermarkets and local voluntary and community sector organisations, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau.
As well as specific support for pensioners, funding for families in receipt of free school meals will continue, as will targeted support for young carers and care leavers.
As part of the £9.4 million package, we are focusing on key areas of support. These include:
• £1 million targeted to support low-income pensioners with core costs over the winter month via the Essential Living Fund
• £4.5 million for the Essential Living Fund to help with emergency crisis situations
• £2.8 million for winter vouchers for families in receipt of free school meals
• £100,000 for voluntary and community groups
• £250,000 for food support groups
• £150,000 for Citizens Advice Bureaus to provide additional support and advice
• £80,000 for Community Supermarkets
• £37,500 for young carers in Essex
• £42,500 for care leavers’ winter hampers and vouchers
• £10,000 to support winter warmth schemes working in collaboration with Essex Libraries
• £40,000 for marketing and communications to signpost residents to available support