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Caerphilly Cares Support Package available for families eligible for Free School Meals

Posted on : 14 Feb 2024

The Caerphilly Cares Service offers access to a wide range of support initiatives for individuals and families who are vulnerable or in financial crisis.

If you or anyone you know need support, initial contact can be made to the Caerphilly Cares Team which provides residents with a single coordinated access point for information, advice and assistance.

The main initiatives available through Caerphilly County Borough Council which can be accessed via Caerphilly Cares and may offer wraparound support to families in the wake of the withdrawal of Welsh Government funding for free school meals holiday payments, is as follows:

Financial Hardship/Maximising Income: The Welfare Benefits and Cost of Living teams within Housing (Rents) can support residents with a wide range of issues relating to maximising their income, including potential referrals for financial assistance/grants.
School Essentials Grant: Eligible for pupils on free school meals, the grant provides money to buy school uniform, equipment, sports kit, and kit for activities outside of school for children.
Fuel Vouchers: Residents struggling with the cost of topping up their pre-payment meter could be eligible for a fuel voucher (in partnership with Citizen’s Advice and local groups).
Foodbank: Referrals can be made immediately, via the Caerphilly Cares Gateway, to support someone in urgent need of food and other household essentials.
Housing and Homelessness: The Supporting People team provide expert support and advice for anyone experiencing difficulties with housing, including problems with their tenancy or even risk of homelessness.
Employment Support: The Employment Team can help people gain new skills, access training and improve chances of getting a job by supporting CV development, job searching, interview skills etc.
Community Connectors: Help people feel part of their community by promoting well-being, reducing social isolation and promoting independence.
Other Cost of Living support – the Caerphilly Cares team may be able to help with a wide range of other issues related to the cost-of-living crisis, including energy advice and grants, links to local Welcoming Spaces, support with keeping warm and support for those who do not have a phone or data to access services. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss these issues with us.

Referrals to Caerphilly Cares may be made via the Caerphilly Cares Gateway, please use the following details to get in touch:
Tel: 01443 811490 Text: SUPPORT to 07537 414443
Email: caerphillycares@caerphilly.gov.uk
Website: www.caerphilly.gov.uk/CaerphillyCares

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