HARDSHIP FUND

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The Blackpool Discretionary Support Scheme can provide assistance to vulnerable people who need:

• Short term emergency support
• Help to become established or maintain independence in the community 
• Unable to provide cash payments

You may be eligible to apply to the scheme if you meet the following criteria:

• Have a local connection (see below)
• Are over 16 years old
• Don’t have access to sufficient income, savings or credit
• Have not had an award of this kind in the last 12 months

The scheme can help wit following:

• Top up credit for gas or electric pre-payment meters
• Non-refundable travel warrant for emergency travel
• Beds or bedding
• Essential furniture items
• Essential kitchen equipment
• Referral to another agency or fund, for example Discretionary Housing Payments

You can apply to the fund here.   For further information and advice about the scheme contact Blackpool Council on 0800 6940 100.

St George Housing has partnered with Lancashire Council in collaboration with the  Social Enterprise Lancashire Network (Selnet)  to support individuals who require  help in establishing and maintaining a home  under the 'Under One Roof Scheme'.

The Scheme  provides free essential household items to those individuals/families who do not have access to sufficient income or funds to meet their immediate needs, along with help and advice in seeking additional support.

The overall aim of the Service is to support people to meet their immediate needs and to help them feel more secure and live more independently in their community.

To access an award for essential household items Applicants must:

• Live in one the 12 districts of the Local Authority.
• be aged 16 years or over
• live within the administrative boundary of Lancashire County Council
• have no income or be on a low income, such as means tested benefits
• be in a priority group
• not have access to sufficient funds to meet their immediate needs or those of their dependents; and
• need access to essential household items to help maintain or establish a home.

SGH  is an approved partner of the scheme and can apply for support on your behalf.  If you want to find out more please get in touch with the team at support@stgeorgehousing.co.uk