A support event is being held in Bracknell to help those struggling with the cost of living.

Rising costs have hit household finances hard, which is why Bracknell Forest Council has joined with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to hold a household support event.

A number of voluntary and charitable organisations will be at the event to give advice and support to families and individuals feeling the stain.

The event will be held at the Princess Square shopping centre this Friday, August 4, from 11.30am to 4pm.

Organisations taking part include the public health team at Bracknell Forest Council, the DWP, Bracknell Foodbank, The Cowshed, The Ark, Home Start,  Silva Homes and South East Water.

Those attending should be aware that no referrals, casework, or food parcels, will be available during the event.

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Mary Temperton (Labour, Great Hollands) the leader of the council and executive member for council strategy and climate change, said: “We know that times are still tough, and the cost-of-living continues to affect households in the borough.

“There is help available and we are encouraging those who may be struggling to come and visit us at the Help for Households event this August.

“You may be entitled to support that you didn’t know about and can get advice from professionals across financial and health organisations.”

During the event, council staff will provide information about improving energy efficiency and how residents can access the Household Support Fund.

The council was given £1.11 million (£1,110,936.06) from the DWP to provide households support from April 2023 to March 2024.

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The support is provided to families and individuals differently.

Those who have children will periodically receive supermarket vouchers issued periodically throughout the period if their children are in receipt of free school meals, along with a one-off £195 supermarket voucher per child for low-income families.

Individuals will receive in receipt of an income-based council tax reduction and housing benefit will automatically receive a pre-paid MasterCard by email in November.

There is also application based support, which people can receive if they meet certain criteria, split into a Main Local Welfare Scheme and a family cost of living voucher scheme for low-income families who are not eligible for the school distributed vouchers.

You can apply on the council’s website.

Voluntary community and faith organisations can also apply for grants of up to £15,000 to provide support to their clients, with organisations needing to apply online for this grant as well.