Support available to residents and families this winter

This winter the Council is contributing £300,000 to support residents facing the greatest financial difficulties - including more support for pensioners.

Our brand new Pensioner Assist Network which launched recently, 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 need. We are reaching out directly to pensioners we believe are eligible based on information we hold – and residents can find out more by visiting our cost of living hub.

And as well as extra support for pensioners, our Warm Spaces scheme is back this year to provide a comfortable place for individuals and groups to drop in and relax. These spaces will remain open until the end of February and offer complimentary Wi-Fi, hot meals, and drinks. They also act as central hubs, providing information and guidance to signpost residents to further support. More details on our Warm Spaces scheme will be available soon.

Other support available to local people this winter includes:

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, you should receive 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 early December as part of an expanded winter support package, making sure no one is left behind.

Visit our webpage for more information on Family Support Vouchers.

Crisis Support

The council’s Cost of Living helpline 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.

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.
• Ethnically diverse 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 help 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.

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.

Libraries

Our libraries are available for residents to relax and access free Public Computers; Wi-Fi; attend our events or simply chill out and make a jigsaw! So, drop in to read a book, explore the web or simply spend time in a safe, warm space.

All Stockport residents over 18 have access to 12 of our libraries via Open+ - for more information visit our webpage on Open+.

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.

Councillor Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources at Stockport Council, said:

“With winter now just around the corner, we want to make sure help and support for our residents across Stockport is there when they need it.

“This time of year can be difficult for many - add in the extra financial challenges that many people of are facing and it can be, at times, difficult to cope. That’s why we’ve launched our Pensioner Assist Network and will be rolling out our Warm Spaces scheme, as well as teaming up with trusted partners across our area, to support and protect those residents that need that extra help.”