The following support is already available: Supermarket vouchers are available to families entitled to benefit-related free school meals. An electronic voucher worth £40 per child for the Easter holiday period can be used to buy food and essential items. Families who have not claimed before can do so at: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meal- supermarket-vouchers.

The Welfare Support Scheme can help people who are on a low income and in financial hardship with short-term emergency help with living costs. Residents can apply for retail vouchers to use in a supermarket for food and household essentials, as well as access to their local foodbank. Welfare support can also help with housing costs, household items, furniture, removals, household bills and with certain debts. More at: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/apply-welfare-support

Housing Benefit can help with paying your rent if your name is on the tenancy agreement and you are either of pension age, living in supported accommodation or have been placed in temporary accommodation by the Council. Visit: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/apply- housing-benefit

Council Tax Support is a local scheme that could reduce the amount you have to pay on your bill. You must be living on a low income, be the person named on the Council tax bill and have below a certain level of savings or capital. Visit: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/apply- council-tax-support

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) are for people receiving Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit, who need more help with housing costs. Find out more: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/apply-discretionary-housing-payment

Welcome Cafés and Food Clubs provide meals and fresh food either free or at a reduced price, helping to reduce food waste and promote healthy eating. https://livewell.bathnes.gov.uk/supporting-adults-live-independent-lives/health -and-wellbeing/food-0

The B&NES Food Finder lists groups that provide affordable food or emergency food parcels. To find out more, visit https://www.banesfoodfinder.org.uk/ or email [email protected].

The Community Wellbeing Hub offers support services including help accessing food and transport and money advice and benefit support. Call: 0300 247 0050 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm or visit: https://communitywell beinghub.co.uk/

Citizens Advice B&NES: 0808 278 7897. citizens advicebanes.org.uk/