SOLIHILL Council is providing support over the February half term to families in receipt of benefits-related free school meals, in the form of a supermarket gift voucher.
In recognition of the additional costs and bills families face during this winter period, the proportional value of the voucher has been increased compared to the assistance provided at Christmas.
The scheme has also been extended to include approximately 275 care experienced young people.
“There is no need to apply for the voucher, families will be contacted via email with details of how to redeem the gift card. Please contact Solihull Connect via 0121 704 8001 with any queries,” said Council Leader Ian Courts.
He added: “We are committed to helping all vulnerable families and individuals over this particularly challenging winter period.
“Details on additional food provision and essential utilities can be found on our website, including the Discretionary Crisis Fund, in place to provide financial and fuel assistance to any household experiencing severe financial hardship, including access to food, fuel top-ups and, if needed, essential white goods.”
In addition three voluntary and community sector organisations in Solihull – Children’s Storehouse, Act on Energy and Age UK Solihull – have been granted a total of £162,000 from the authority’s winter support grant, to help elderly, vulnerable people and families to pay their fuel bills, access gas, electricity and oil supplies, as well as winter clothing.
Coun Courts said an estimated 2,000 people across the borough will benefit from this support.
