The Household Support Scheme is still running to help families in need through the winter

It can give support to families and children and other vulnerable adults through the winter period to get support with utility bills, food and other essentials to help keep people who may be struggling to stay warm and fed.

The Household Support Scheme is run by the Council and partners and will run until 31st March. It is aimed at families with children and other vulnerable people who may or may not meet the threshold for benefits but may be affected by increased fuel prices, job losses and self-isolation.

Funding may be available for:

• Blackburn with Darwen children, families and vulnerable adults who have an annual household income below £21,152 for single claimants and below £31,731 for couples.

These applicants must also meet at least one of the following additional criteria:

• Recipient of income related benefits, such as Universal Credit claimants.

• Facing financial hardship due to winter pressures

• Diagnosed with a severe mental health disorder (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and schizoaffective disorder)

• Diagnosed with a long term medical condition related to respiratory or cardiovascular

• Diagnosed with long COVID

You must be able to provide evidence for those that apply to you above.

For more details on the scheme and what it can offer, and to see if you qualify for support, you need to complete the online referral form: https://blackburn.gov.uk/WinterHSS

The Council is working with a number of local organisations including Blackburn Foodbank, Darwen Food Larder, Care Network, BwD Healthy Living, BwD Age UK, BwD Carers, Rummage Rescuers, Jubilee Tower Credit Union, United Utilities, Community Business Partners, Community Centres in BwD, and THOMAS.

Councillor Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

“This new scheme is here to help us support struggling families and vulnerable people wherever we can.

“It is really important that people get the help they need, especially during the cold winter months where extra support for heating and bills may be needed, especially with the rising fuel prices we are seeing at the moment.

“Heating bills will be a big pressure, along with other issues as we enter the winter. I would urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to look at the online form or speak to someone who may be able to help them with this.