Council distributes thousands of food and energy vouchers

Cheshire East Council together with schools, colleges, early years settings and other family support services have distributed more than 22,000 supermarket and energy vouchers to vulnerable children and families, with more in the pipeline to cover the Easter school holiday.

The vouchers are part of the government's Covid Winter Grant Scheme which was launched by the Department of Work and Pensions late last year. The scheme aims to support those most in need across England with the cost of food, energy (heating, cooking, lighting), water bills and other essentials.

Cheshire East Council received an initial grant of £880,000 with a top-up payment of £300,000, which extends the scheme to cover the Easter holidays.

More than 9,000 vulnerable children and young people were identified by the council, including those eligible for income-related free school meals. These families received their first batch of vouchers mid-December to cover the Christmas school holidays and their second batch in February to cover half term.

If you need it, ask....

Professionals are also able to request support for families that need it. Any families in need are asked to speak to someone they are working with such as a GP, teacher or support worker, who can request the vouchers on their behalf.

Plans are also being finalised to introduce additional support via the Holiday Activity Fund, an additional government grant that aims to ensure that vulnerable children and young people eat more healthily, are more active over the school holidays, learn about health nutrition and enjoy time with other children in a safe environment.

For more information on the scheme, visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covidwintergrant