Further support for households to tackle the cost of living is now available following the award of £2.6 million to BCP Council.
The government-funded BCP Household Support Fund will support vulnerable households over a six-month period until September 30, 2024.
It will focus on costs associated with food, energy and household essentials.
BCP Council is working closely with partners, including Citizens Advice, to help households most in need.
Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) will be issuing Household Support Fund grants on behalf of the council to provide short-term financial support for low-income households struggling with food and energy bills. Applications for the fund open on Monday 20 May until Monday 17 June.
Funds have also been allocated to provide a small grants scheme for the voluntary and community sector, administered through Dorset Community Foundation.
Cllr Millie Earl, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities, said: “The cost-of-living crisis remains with us, with many residents experiencing financial difficulty, especially with the increase in the cost of food and fuel.
“The Household Support Fund has provided a lifeline for many of our residents, and this six-month funding will help us support residents in financial need through our grant scheme, along with the school holiday vouchers for school children and under-fives.
“We value the incredible work that local community groups and charitable organisations are doing to support those in need and welcome the reopening of BCP Food and Energy Fund for grant applications from Dorset Community Foundation to help fund community activities to support residents most in need.”
Over the last year, grants totalling £400,000 were awarded to benefit local communities, directly supporting 26,771 local residents.
The BCP Food and Energy Support Fund is now open for applications from the community and voluntary sector to fund a variety of cost-of-living initiatives until the end of September.
The deadline to apply for grants of up to £8,500 is June 7.
The school holiday food support scheme to help families with children will be available through schools and Family Information Service for eligible under-fives.
Food vouchers will be provided to eligible children, young people and their families during May half-term and the summer holidays.
To help households save energy and keep warm in their homes, residents can access help and guidance from Ridgewater Energy.
This includes energy advice home visits and money saving advice booklets, as well as additional energy support for eligible residents.
Citizens Advice BCP will continue to support eligible low-income local families who are struggling with their food and energy bills, offering advice and guidance.
Residents can also access cost-of-living information at libraries.