Stockport Household Support Fund delivery plan
We're committed to ensuring that support is targeted to those most in need. We'll support low-income households using the Household Support Fund through the following routes.
Crisis support
Any Stockport resident in need of crisis support can contact our Cost of Living Hub. Our dedicated team of professionals can help you access welfare rights, benefits and debt support and urgent support in a crisis. We have specially trained officers on hand to support you and talk through all of the options available.
If you're a Stockport resident, the Cost of Living Hub can help when you're at your most vulnerable.
The crisis support could include help with:
- energy prepayment meter top-ups
- other household and living costs
We can also help you with access to:
- specialist welfare rights and debt advice
- checks on benefit and pension credit entitlement
- help finding the right support in the community
To contact the Cost of Living Hub, call 0161 474 2140. The line is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4pm.
For more information, visit our cost of living helpline webpage.
Family Support Vouchers
We send vouchers to households with:
- dependent children, and receive local Council Tax Support and/or Housing Benefit paid by Stockport Council
- school aged children who receive income-based Free School Meals or those in Early Years with equivalent eligibility
Vouchers are worth £90 per eligible child.
Holiday Activities and Food Programme
The Household Support Fund will be used to expand the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, so that activities will be available for October half term 2024 and February half term 2025.
The HAF programme provides enjoyable activities and nutritious meals for primary and secondary school-aged children. Places are prioritised for children that are receiving means tested free school meals.
To find out if your child is eligible, and how to book a place when they become available, visit our Holiday Activities and Food programme webpage.
If you have a query about the Holiday Activities and Food programme, email haf@stockport.gov.uk.
Trusted Partners
We're committed to working alongside partner organisations to support:
- households with a disabled person
- households with a pensioner
- unpaid carers
- care leavers
- ethnically diverse communities
- families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- those with mental health and complex needs
- those fleeing, experiencing or surviving domestic abuse
- households receiving out of work benefits
Grants will be awarded to a network of Trusted Partner organisations who'll be able to assess circumstances and provide discretionary support for households. To access support via our Trusted Partners, contact the Cost of Living Hub.
Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprises
The Household Support Fund will be used to provide grants to food banks to make sure that vital food-based support is available for those in financial crisis.
The Household Support Fund will also be used to develop initiatives that help households with:
- access to clothes and equipment for 0 to 5 year olds
- beds
- pre-loved school uniforms