Hertfordshire County Council statement on support for families

Cllr Teresa Heritage, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said:

“We remain committed to supporting families at this difficult time and want to reassure all our residents that help is at hand for those who need it right now. We work closely with families across the county and support several schemes and initiatives providing additional extra help, including financial support, food and provision of other household supplies to families in need.

“Over the past six months we have provided additional support to more than 3,500 children and young people. We’ve worked more closely than ever with local voluntary and community groups, including providing £120,000 of funding for local foodbanks, enabling them to use their local knowledge to best meet the needs of their communities. We’ve offered grants to families facing financial difficulties to help with the costs of food, bills and the purchase of other household essentials, and these grants are still available. We have created a brand-new social care team to provide support to families adversely affected by the pandemic, including many who wouldn’t previously have accessed services. 

“We understand the strength of feeling around the issue of holiday hunger in our communities, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on many families across the county. Ultimately, no child in Hertfordshire should be going hungry and we are working hard to ensure this doesn’t happen.”

“If you need help, please contact HertsHelp at www.hertshelp.net, email [email protected] or call 0300 123 4044.”