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Introduction

Somerset families and residents who are struggling to pay the bills this winter could be eligible for support with the cost of food, energy, water, and other essentials over the coming months.

Somerset Council will be distributing £3.8m to those in need between October 2024 and March 2025 as part of the Government’s Household Support Fund.

Find out what support is available to Somerset residents this winter on our Apply for the Somerset Household Support Fund page.

The Household Support Fund ‘Help Through Winter’ programme is funded by Somerset Council, working alongside partners across education and the VCFSE sector to deliver essential support to families and residents.

Support for Somerset households

Here are some ways to get help and support this winter.

Community hub support

The Household Support Fund is supporting a number of existing community hubs to keep doing their fantastic work this winter through the Somerset Community Foundation.

We are offering free activities with food across Somerset during the school holidays. A great chance to provide enrichment, new experiences, new friends for you or your family, visit the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership – Happy Healthy Holidays Programme to find out more.

Warm hubs are being opened to help vulnerable people during the winter months. Find your nearest Warm Space on the Spark Somerset website or you can find information about Age UK Somerset – Activities and events here

Other support for Somerset communities

In addition to the Household Support Fund, the following support is available for Somerset communities:

  • Help4All – Information and advice, including food support for families and residents, parenting support, support with isolation and loneliness and more on the Help4All website.
  • Libraries – All Somerset libraries have been designated as Warm Welcome Spaces, which means anyone in the community is welcome to come and spend time in the library. Find a local library.
  • Pension Credit – Residents are also encouraged to check if they could be eligible for Pension Credit, which provides extra money to help with living costs for people over state pension age and on a low income. Apply online on GOV.UK or phone the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

Last updated: November 29, 2024

Next review due: May 29, 2025

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