Residents in financial need across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can apply today for financial support.
Thee government-funded Household Support Fund (HSF) has awarded £2.6 million to BCP Council.
It will fund household grants and local support schemes to provide short-term financial help for vulnerable households, focusing on costs associated with food, energy and other essentials.
BCP Council is working closely with partners to help households most in need.
Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will be issuing household grants on behalf of the council.
Applications open on Monday 22 July until Friday 16 August.
Funds have also been allocated to provide a small grants scheme for the voluntary and community sector, administered by Dorset Community Foundation. BCP Food and Energy Support Fund has awarded grants for projects including lunch clubs and community pantries.
Councillor Millie Earl, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities, pictured, said: “Many residents continue to experience financial difficulty, with lots of families struggling to access food during the summer holidays.
“The Household Support Fund provides huge support to residents through our household grants scheme, and I would like to thank the Citizen’s Advice for all their support in delivering this scheme.
“I am also delighted to see so many valuable community projects successfully awarded funding to help local people who are in need of support over the summer months and thank Dorset Community Foundation for helping us with the allocation of funding.”
Zoe Bradley, Chief Executive Officer for Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole said: “Despite inflation holding steady, household costs are still at exceptionally high levels with rents and essential living costs across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole at some of the highest rates on record.
“The Household Support Fund continues to be a lifeline for thousands of local households.
“Over the summer months, energy costs may be lower for many, but other essential expenditures rise as families spend more time together during the school holidays.
“At Citizens Advice we will continue to work closely with BCP Council and our community partners to identify options for any BCP resident who may find themselves struggling to make ends meet.”
The school holiday food support scheme to help families with children will be available through schools and Family Information Service for eligible under-fives.
Residents can access help and guidance from Ridgewater Energy, which includes energy advice home visits.
Residents can also access cost-of-living information at BCP libraries.