Stockport residents offered vital support over winter

By adopting a One Stockport approach, the council is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind.

Councillor Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources at Stockport Council, said: “As winter approaches we want to help and support our residents across Stockport that need it most. We don't want anyone to feel alone or isolated - it is a worrying time for many of our residents and our focus is on making sure everyone who needs help knows what support is available to them, so we can all live happy, healthy and independent lives.”

Alongside the £250,000 Council funding, the Council has also received over £2 million in national Household support Funding from the UK Government. This means Stockport residents have a range of support, including:

Family Support Vouchers
If your child is in receipt of income-based free school meals, or the early years equivalent, or your family receives Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit, you should have received a Family Support Voucher which can be exchanged for cash to support your household bills. Vouchers worth £90 per eligible child will be distributed to over 8,000 eligible families in December as part of an expanded winter support package, ensuring no one is left behind.

In addition, vouchers will also be provided to our care leavers and households with Special Guardianship Orders.

Crisis Support
The council’s Cost of Living Adviceline is available for any resident in a financial crisis. Our team of dedicated officers are on hand to listen and provide the right support and advice. This could include crisis payments, food bank referrals, help with benefits advice, or signpost you to national schemes to help with financial uncertainty. The line is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm on 0161 474 2140.

One Stockport
Partnership working is at the heart of our vision. Our One Stockport initiative was launched in 2020 as a partnership campaign designed to connect, unite and support Stockport’s communities.

This is why we will be working together with our Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) partner organisations to deliver the Household Support Fund to those most in need this winter.

Investment in Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector
Stockport’s VCFSE groups are an invaluable part of the community, and the council will use the Household Support Fund to invest in the sector and work in collaboration to target support to those most in need. This will be done through:

Working with our trusted partners
Working alongside our trusted partners will ensure those who need it, get extra support. We work with organisations like Age UK Stockport, Disability Stockport and Signpost for Carers to target support to individuals including:

• Disabled people.
• Pensioners.
• Unpaid carers.
• Those with mental ill health or complex needs.
• Women who have experienced physical, emotional, and financial abuse.
• Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
• Families with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Those in receipt of out of work benefits.

Our trusted partners can be contacted on the Cost of Living Adviceline on 0161 474 2140.

Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme
The council will once again use the fund to extend the HAF programme. The programme runs nationally during the Christmas, Easter and summer holidays, but in Stockport the council has extended the programme to cover the October and February half terms. This allows community groups and businesses to provide food and activities for children in receipt of free school meals, offering free childcare and nutritious meals. Find out more about the HAF programme.

Food Banks
The council will use the Household Support Fund to keep food banks stocked to meet demand this winter.

It will also support initiatives offering long-term help, such as essential items for vulnerable children, beds, and school uniform assistance through new partnerships.

For more information, visit cost of living online hub

Pensioner support
To help support pensioner this winter, the council is establishing a Pensioner Assist Network with the support from partner organisations.  We are committed to helping pensioners access the support that they are entitled to, such as Pension Credit.  Further details will be published in the coming weeks.

The council will also be funding warm spaces again this winter, as part of the One Stockport Warm and Well initiative. The spaces will hold activities for pensioners, with further details released in the coming weeks.

Strengthening support for families
Stockport Council has reinforced its commitment to supporting families and addressing inequality by voluntarily adopting the socio-economic duty, ensuring that all policy decisions consider their impact on low-income residents. This initiative follows active engagement with local residents during September’s Challenge Poverty Week, aimed at gathering insights to inform future policies and establish an Anti-Poverty Network. Further details of this will be announced in the coming weeks, offering opportunities for individuals to get involved and share their experiences.

One Stockport Family Hubs
Since launching a year ago, One Stockport’s Family Hubs have provided crucial support to thousands of families. With 7 networks, 3 dedicated buildings, and 24 bridge sites including libraries and leisure hubs, Family Hubs are creating a lifeline for parents and young people. From early years to school leavers, the hubs address needs ranging from mental health to cost-of-living challenges, making a significant impact in the community. For more information, visit the dedicated One Stockport Family Hubs Website.

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “We are dedicated to supporting our residents, especially the most vulnerable members of our community. By extending the Holiday Activities and Food programme and launching the Pensioner Assist Network, we’re not just meeting national guidelines; we’re going the extra mile to ensure no one struggles by offering real, meaningful support. The Pensioner Assist Network will provide six months of focused assistance, helping with income maximisation, benefit uptake, and personalised advice so pensioners can live comfortably, with the support they deserve.

“These initiatives are key to our One Future vision, demonstrating our commitment to improving the quality of life for everyone in Stockport, now and in the future.”