Islington Council announces support package of more than £850,000 to help the most vulnerable through winter

We believe no child should go hungry in Islington, so as part of our mission to make the borough a fairer place, the winter support funding will help us to fund free school meal vouchers for pupils eligible for free school meals under the national eligibility criteria to cover the Christmas holiday period and the first half-term holiday of 2021.  

It also means we can invest more in our We Are Islington helpline and food distribution efforts, so that every household that needs support over the winter can get it.  

Cllr Una O’Halloran, Islington Council's executive member for community development, said: “Food insecurity and worries about heating and other utility bills are a reality for many families in Islington, and the Covid-19 pandemic has only made it worse, dragging more households into poverty and uncertainty this year.   

“We are determined create a fairer Islington and that means doing everything in our power to ensure no-one has to choose between heating or eating this winter, and everyone can access the support they need.    

“Following our calls for greater support from central Government, I welcome this extra funding, which will mean the support schemes we already have in place will be able to help even more of the most vulnerable people in our society.”   

The funding boost – awarded to the council by the Government through its Covid Winter Grant Scheme - will strengthen the support we can offer this winter to those that need it most.   

To tackle holiday hunger, we are also providing supermarket vouchers through our family of schools to households with children eligible for free school meals. This will help relieve some of the pressure on struggling families over the festive period, and ensure all children can continue to get at least one healthy meal every day.   

This mirrors our actions over the October half-term, backing footballer Marcus Rashford’s successful campaign to get the Government to commit to feeding children over the holidays.   

From the New Year, the council will also be providing food vouchers to families of children under five not yet attending school who receive council tax support or housing benefit.   

We’re also funding voluntary and community sector partners to continue their work to provide food and wider support to vulnerable families.   

Throughout the winter, the We Are Islington helpline will be there to support Islington residents who need help.    

If you’re struggling to cope at the moment, or are concerned about a friend or neighbour, contact We Are Islington for support getting food or medicine, or if you are struggling financially due to the outbreak of coronavirus.   

Residents can also call for a friendly chat, for support to leave their home, and for information about online group activities and staying healthy and well.    

Just call the We Are Islington helpline on 020 7527 8222 or minicom on 020 7527 1900. Lines are open every day from 9am to 5pm. You can also email weareislington@islington.gov.uk.