Published: Wednesday, 2nd December 2020
Published on behalf of Norfolk County Council.
Anyone in Norfolk suffering financial hardship this winter could receive help and support thanks to a new scheme that launches today (Wednesday 02 December).
Norfolk County Council, alongside local councils across Norfolk, is aiming to support as many residents as possible this winter to access financial and other support if they are facing hardship.
The scheme is particularly aimed at families and will provide support for those suffering financial hardship over the winter months due to Covid-19. Support is available with food and utility bills.
Applications to the new support scheme can be made online, via the existing Norfolk Assistance Scheme pages at www.norfolk.gov.uk/NAS or applicants can call 0344 800 8020. From Wednesday 2 December, assistance in applying online will also be available through Norfolk Libraries.
In addition to this scheme we are working with food voucher company Edenred to provide support for all those eligible for free school meals, children in the early years who receive pupil premium and all of the council’s care leavers during the Christmas holidays. We are encouraging eligible families to register and apply for free school meals through their school, so that they begin to receive support in time for the school holidays.
Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: “The impact of Covid-19 on households in Norfolk has been huge, and we know some people have found it hard to get by as a result. There is no reason anyone in Norfolk should have to go hungry or cold this winter, and this scheme will help people in need through the coldest months of the year.
“Whether it’s food or bills, our Winter Support scheme offers a lifeline to those worst hit by this pandemic and its effects. I’d encourage those who need help to apply and get the support they need.”
The Covid Winter Support scheme can help with:
- Day to day living costs, including food and energy bills
- Daily essentials such as toiletries, sanitary products and nappies
- Food vouchers for the school holidays
As part of the wider package of support for families this winter, the council is also extending the Norfolk Assistance Scheme, which already provides support for food, fuel, clothes and other essential household items to Norfolk’s residents experiencing hardship.
More information is available online at www.norfolk.gov.uk/covidwintersupport or www.norfolk.gov.uk/NAS.