​​​​​​​Council steps in to help people struggling to feed their families this winter

The City Council's winter support scheme will see food, fuel and winter care packs being bought on high streets across the city to keep money in local communities and distributed to those residents most in need.

This builds on the successful Sunderland Community Champion programme, which has involved working with VCS organisations since the beginning of this year to get Covid health messages out to vulnerable communities

Councillor Linda Williams, Cabinet Member for Vibrant City, said: "We know the pandemic has had a real impact on many households across our city who are struggling to balance incomes being squeezed with their household bills going up. 30,000 households across our city were projected to lose an average of £1,040 a year in either universal credit  or working tax credit, although the budget has restored some of those losses for claimants in work.

"Nationally 15 million households are already facing a 12 per cent rise in energy bills and inflation is currently running at 4 per cent which makes it really difficult for households to manage their day to day living expenses, especially  those who are on low incomes or reliant on state benefits.

"So we've commissioned the help of our community champion voluntary sector organisations to support distribution of household support funds to residents in need during the winter - especially residents who might not consider contacting the council for help.

"This includes food, fuel and winter care packs containing essentials such as blankets and warm clothing bought on local high streets, to distribute to residents in need.  By working in this way we are helping communities by keeping spend local and supporting local high streets, in line with our community wealth building strategy."

One business which has already benefitted is Houghton based greengrocers, The Apple Orchard who are one of the suppliers for the food packs. Owner Caroline Grayson said: "I think it's great that the council is working in partnership with the voluntary sector and local high street to support communities.

"It's really helping people. Fruit can be a luxury for some people who can't afford it. So if they can spend the support vouchers on fruit as well as necessities that's really good for them and it helps us as well

The winter support scheme funding is helping voluntary sector partners working in communities to support households to meet immediate needs and help those struggling to afford food, energy, water bills and other essentials.

One of the VCS partners involved in the scheme is Active Families North East. Amy Swan Creative Director said: "At Active Families we pride ourselves on working with and supporting the local community with the work we do. This Christmas by being able to support both community members and local family businesses, we feel we've definitely been able to help those who need it."

People can contact the council's Customer Service Network and be directed from there to appropriate support. They can also ring  0800 234 6084. Details of help and advice in Sunderland over the winter period are also available via the following link  Get help and advice - Sunderland City Council  which covers the help available in each local area, including: 

·       Free information, advice and guidance on welfare benefits, debt, employment, and housing matters

·       Support for food (such as foodbanks), utility bills, rent shortfalls, free school meals, Healthy Start vouchers and general help around money.

It also includes links to the support that a range of VCS organisations are providing to other Sunderland residents over the winter period including contact details. The help includes:   

·       Winter support projects and activities in all areas of the city this winter, to ensure residents are not alone or isolated during Christmas and the dark months of January, February and early March

·       Additional support mainly focused around food and fuel, although other essential needs may be considered on a case-by-case basis.  If you feel you need additional support this winter, please get in touch with the relevant organisation