Local MP welcomes extra funding worth more than £320,000 being made available for childcare, voluntary and charitable organisations to provide activities and food for vulnerable Hampshire children during the February half term school holiday.
The extra money has been added to the existing Community Grants scheme, which is part of the ‘connect4communities’ programme funded by the £2.89 million Winter Grant Scheme allocation awarded to the Authority by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Led by Hampshire County Council this programme is one of several measures that aims to support families in need, especially those with children, to access basic necessities this winter.
Maria said, “I welcome this important extra support for our local childcare providers (including out-of-school childcare) as well as community, charity and voluntary organisations, enabling them to deliver the holiday playscheme in the half term and provide support to help families and individuals who are struggling financially due to the pandemic.”
Community, charity or voluntary organisations and childcare providers (including out-of-school childcare) are encouraged to apply for a Community Grant to fund half term activities for local children. Examples of how these grants could be used include wraparound care (especially where groups maintain the same bubbles as in term time), activity and food packs, as well as food boxes. Services must meet the DWP’s Winter Grant Scheme criteria, which states that:
· at least 80% of the total funding will be ring-fenced to support families with children, with up to 20% of the total funding allocated for other types of households, including individuals
· at least 80% of the total funding will be ring-fenced to provide support with food, energy and water bills, with up to 20% made available for other essential items
To learn more about the ‘connect4communities’ projects and to apply for a Community Grant visit connect4communities.org