Our Hardship Fund is available to support the most vulnerable

With pressure on household finances continuing, we know it’s difficult for some people to get by on a daily basis.

As energy prices remain high and food costs increase, we want to help our customers who are finding times hard.

Our Improving Lives Hardship Fund continues to support our Improving Lives strategy by providing one-off support to those in most urgent need.

Customers can still be referred to the Hardship Fund if they need help.

Karen Prince, Head of Community Investment, said: “The main aim of our Hardship Fund is to alleviate the stress and trauma caused by financial hardship and poverty.

“All applications to the Hardship Fund are assessed against our eligibility criteria. There are limited funds available and our awards are based on available funding.

We want to be on hand to help our customers who are finding things exceptionally tough and our Hardship Fund is one way in which we’re doing that.

Previously, our Hardship Fund has helped customers to buy essential goods for their new home having been homeless and bought vital baby items for a young couple at one of our homelessness schemes after their child was born.

If you’re in urgent need of support then speak to one of our front-line colleagues such as your Housing Officer, Income Officer or Scheme or Project Manager.

For more tips and advice on managing through the ongoing cost of living crisis, turn to page 20 to read an article from our Money Advice Team.

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