COMMUNITY grants of more than £500,000 will be used to help Hampshire households with energy-saving kitchen devices such as soup makers, draught-proofing and carpeting.

The Hampshire County Council grant of £584,000 comes from the national Household Support Fund. 

Further practical support with the cost of living – such as warm winter clothing, bedding, boiler repairs and food vouchers – will also be available to those most in need between now and March next year. 

Struggling families will also be able to benefit from the grants allocated to a number of providers to run free school holiday programmes during next February half term, a period not covered by the popular Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, aimed at school-aged children entitled to income-based free school meals during term-time. 

Cllr Edward Heron, the county council’s executive lead member for children’s services, said: “We are very pleased to be supporting projects based on value for money and the positive impact they will have on Hampshire residents hardest hit by inflation and energy price rises. The organisations receiving grants have robust plans, based on local knowledge and need, to tackle food and fuel poverty in their communities. 

“Although Government figures indicate that inflation is slowing, the cost of living continues to be a major challenge for many, particularly for the elderly, single parent families, and those facing additional challenges such as poor health, housing or fleeing domestic abuse. Without this essential funding, they could suffer a cold and miserable winter.” 

Groups benefitting from the grant include: February half term food and activity programmes in Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, New Forest and Winchester; and community cook and eat clubs in Basingstoke, New Forest and Test Valley. 

For more details, visit connect4communities.org.