FAMILY SUPPORT Get extra financial support

As household incomes are squeezed and prices rise across the UK, some families are facing a difficult winter. However, help is at hand, as the council moves to increase support and reinforce the safety net for struggling households this winter.

Households across Brent can now get their share of a new £2.7million Household Support Fund. Residents, aged 18 and over, can apply for cash to pay for essential items, such as food and utility bills as the council moves to support people in need and ease the financial pressure on low income families.

“The pandemic is still affecting many of us financially,” says Councillor Margaret

McLennan, Deputy Leader of Brent Council

“Over the next few months we hope that this fund will support residents and families that are most at financial risk.”

You can apply more than once for different types of support up until March 2022 when the scheme ends.

Apply at www.brent.gov.uk/

ResidentsSupportFund.

Councillor Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet

Member for Housing and Welfare Reform said: “This can be a difficult time of year. In addition, households across Brent are feeling the impact of the end of furlough and changes to Universal Credit, along with rising living costs. We’re committed to supporting our residents financially and this short-term fund is a vital part of that.

Kids tuck in over Christmas

The holiday activities and food programme returns over the Christmas school holidays (18 December to 3 January) for eligible school-aged children in Brent who receive benefits-related free school meals. Find out more at www.brent.gov.uk/haf

Councillor Thomas Stephens, Cabinet Member for Schools, Employment & Skills, said: “The summer programme was very successful, with over 3,000 places offered across 47 sites in Brent. So I’m pleased that we’ve been able to bring the programme back this Christmas to provide families in Brent further support in what can be an expensive time to entertain and feed children.” The summer programme was very successful, with over 3,000 places ‘‘ offered across 47 sites in Brent

‘‘

Councillor Thomas Stephens, Cabinet Member for Schools, Employment & Skills

support

Two-year-olds go free

More than 1,770 two year olds have taken up free childcare hours since January 2021. That is over 1 million hours of learning through play! Families claiming Universal Credit benefits and on a low income, below £15,400, with children with special education needs or disabilities are eligible for free childcare for two-year-olds. Each child can use 15 hours a week of free childcare for the equivalent of 38 weeks per year. Check your eligibility www.brent.gov.uk/neg2

Mayor of Brent, Councillor Lia Colacicco, cuts the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the Family Wellbeing Centre’s.

Close to home

The Family Wellbeing Centres were opened in October at a special ceremony attended by Mayor of Brent Councillor Lia Colacicco, Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding, Early Help and Social Care Councillor Mili Patel, community guests and partners from Barnardo’s.

Councillor Mili Patel said: “Family Wellbeing Centres play such a crucial role in the support network of families. I am pleased that we have developed these services to help Brent families access a wide range of support and advice.”

Nasmin, a local parent who has used her local Family Wellbeing Centre, said, “I am beyond grateful that these Family Wellbeing Centres exist. I moved to Brent and didn’t know any other parents, so going to my local centre, not only helped me navigate the journey as a new parent, but I have met some great people and made lasting friendships.”

Family Wellbeing Centres can make a big difference to the lives of families by offering local services, support and advice to parents, carers and children from birth to 18 years old (or up to 25 for young people with special educational needs). www.brent.gov.uk/ familywellbeingcentres