'Struggling' families in Swale urged to come forward for support by council
People living in Swale, who are struggling to feed their families and pay bills, are being urged to contact the council for support.
The authority has received almost £500,000 from Kent County Council's Household Support Fund, enabling it to help families in need.
The majority of the support will be targeted towards pensioners and families with children, with food boxes and vouchers to pay energy bills available.
Cllr Richard Palmer, chair of the community committee at the council, said:
"Thankfully we've received almost £500,000 to help support our most vulnerable residents as the cost of living continues to rise.
"This money is primarily to help families with children and people of pension age access food parcels from local food banks and help paying their gas, electric and water bills.
"We've allocated money to local organisations that have been on the ground with residents and can identify their need and find the help they need."
Cost of Living: What support is available to people in the South East.
Community pantries
Community pantries
Community pantries provide groceries at a lower rate than shops and supermarkets.
Community pantries offer access by memberships, where for a small weekly contribution, members receive food to a significantly higher value.
Several pantries organise activities and provide a wraparound support services and social interaction for those who are isolated.
Further info on Community pantries:
SOFEA Community Larder locations
Energy bills
Energy bills
There are several UK charities and companies that offer free advice on how to save energy.
Simple steps could knock pounds off of your bills.
Some can also offer advice if you can't afford your bills.
Who can help:
Debt advice
Debt advice
There are many charities and firms that can offer advice if you are in debt.
One of those is Christians Against Poverty.
It provides free debt help and local community groups across the UK.
The charity runs free services, partnering with local churches, and provides practical and emotional support and show people that there is always hope.
Go to: Christians Against Poverty or call 0800 328 0006
Cllr Elliott Jayes, vice chair of the community committee at the council, said:
"We're working with Family Foodbank in Sheerness, Swale Food Bank and Diversity House in Sittingbourne and West Faversham Community Association who will provide food boxes to those who are struggling to feed their families.
"Our Fuel and Water Home Advisor will be providing vouchers to people who have pre-paid meters for their gas, electric and water.
"We're also working to set up a service that will provide people without prepaid meters the vouchers they need to pay their bills.
"Pensioners looking for support should head over to Age UK who can deliver hot meals or food shopping.
"Although this funding is primarily aimed at families with children and pensioners, I urge anybody struggling to pay their bills or feed their families to get in touch to see what help is available to them."