Fylde Council this week released a further £71,000 of Government funding to ensure no families are left in need in the difficult times we face following the coronavirus pandemic.
The Council has already contacted our food banks and I am assured they are presently operating below capacity – further assistance from the council is there should they need it.
This funding is earmarked to help families with food and essentials.
It is vital that any families in need get in touch through the Fylde Community Hub which the council operates. This ensures those in need get the urgent help they require, but also puts them in touch with agencies which will help look at any deeper issues, such as benefits, debt, care and mental health.
It is not good enough simply handing food parcels out if there is a deep-rooted issue which needs more structured support.
There is a further £1.6 million on the way to Fylde after we were placed in Tier Three of the coronavirus regulations. This is on top of the funding package for businesses and which have been told to close, and their staff.
I want to see some of those funds used to support our hotels and hospitality businesses and jobs; these businesses have been allowed to remain open, but have seen a lot of cancellations.
I was pleased to learn from the Home Start Fylde AGM that the organisation is operating extremely well and supporting families across the area.
They have continued to work with families as much as possible through lockdown, some of which was remote working. The organisation helps families with all manner of issues be it money or practical difficulties, and helping prepare children for school.
It was pleasing to hear that despite the pandemic affecting the organisation’s shop, Home Start still has a healthy turnover.
The trustees, volunteers and paid staff continue to do a fantastic job. If you can help them, get in touch at https://homestartbfw.org.uk.