Council reminds families of support available over school holidays

Cheshire West and Chester Council is working alongside partners and community groups to remind families of the support available to them over the upcoming half term break.

A full list of all the support available to families during the half-term can be found on the Council website.

• Useful resources for the half term break

Details about the Covid Local Support Scheme is included on the web page. Funding from the grant scheme has been provided to local schools to be used over the May half term to help families who have children that receive benefit related free school meals.

Food support for all residents is available all year round, including during the school holidays, through the Council-backed Welcome Network.

Local community groups, currently providing food and support across the borough, have been mapped on the Welcome Network website, so that residents can access the information in one place.

•         The Welcome Network - get support

Those delivering food support who aren’t currently on the live, interactive map are encouraged to add their details so people needing food support in their area can access their services.

• Add your services to the live, interactive map

In late 2020, the Council declared a Poverty Emergency. The Council continues to be committed to tackling poverty in all its forms across Cheshire West and Chester.

During the Easter Holidays 4,953 children and young people accessed holiday provision, provided by 33 providers who were funded by the Department for Education's Holiday Activities and Food Programme.

Stephanie Ellis, Manager of the Welcome Network, said: “A coordinated approach to food support across Cheshire West and Chester has never been more important.

 “At the Welcome Network, we aim to bring together all those charities and community groups providing food support to make sure everyone in the borough can get the help they need.

 “Our live, interactive map is a really useful tool so people can quickly find the support available in their local area.

“It also helps us find any gaps in food support across Cheshire West and Chester and look to put solutions in place.”

Councillor Bob Cernik, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Even though the COVID-19 restrictions are now beginning to ease there are still families across the borough who may be struggling. We want to ensure that all children and families across the borough have food available to them throughout the year and urge anyone who needs help to reach out.”