The connect4communities programme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions Household Support Fund, aims to support those most in need with significantly rising living costs, particularly families with children and pensioners who would otherwise struggle with energy, food and water bills.
connect4communities
A one-stop-shop for local help and support
If you are struggling to pay for necessities like food and fuel, you can use this directory to find sources of local support available in your area.
You will also find details about local organisations, restaurants, food retailers and charitable organisations who may be able to offer support by searching the directory, including those who can offer financial management or debt advice.
This information will be updated regularly as we learn of new services and offers so it is worth returning here to see what is new.
Explore the directory for a comprehensive list of local services and support.
Additionally, expand the headers below for details about connect4communities funded projects designed to help households facing hardship.
The connect4communities programme, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions Household Support Fund, aims to support those most in need with significantly rising living costs, particularly families with children and pensioners who would otherwise struggle with energy, food and water bills.
The Department for Education (DfE) provides funding to local authorities to coordinate a programme that provides healthy food and enriching activities to disadvantaged children during select school holidays. Hampshire County Council delivers this through the connect4communities programme.
We engage with a wide network of community-based organisations, including existing holiday care providers, schools, childminders, sports coaching, creative and performing arts providers and many others. Healthy meals must also be provided, and each activity session must last for a minimum of four hours a day, for at least four days a week during the holidays. All children in Hampshire who receive benefit-related free school meals (FSM) will be eligible to take part in the activities.
Find out more information about the HAF programme.
The Department for Education (DfE) provides funding to local authorities to coordinate a programme that provides healthy food and enriching activities to disadvantaged children during select school holidays. Hampshire County Council delivers this through the connect4communities programme.
We engage with a wide network of community-based organisations, including existing holiday care providers, schools, childminders, sports coaching, creative and performing arts providers and many others. Healthy meals must also be provided, and each activity session must last for a minimum of four hours a day, for at least four days a week during the holidays. All children in Hampshire who receive benefit-related free school meals (FSM) will be eligible to take part in the activities.
Find out more information about the HAF programme.
If your family is struggling with the rising cost of living, help may be available through Hampshire County Council's Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). The fund is designed to support Hampshire households facing financial hardship, unexpected expenses or a sudden change in circumstances.
You may be able to receive a one-off payment to help with essential costs such as food, energy bills or basic household items. The support is intended to help families through urgent or short-term difficulties and prevent situations from becoming more serious.
If your family is struggling with the rising cost of living, help may be available through Hampshire County Council's Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). The fund is designed to support Hampshire households facing financial hardship, unexpected expenses or a sudden change in circumstances.
You may be able to receive a one-off payment to help with essential costs such as food, energy bills or basic household items. The support is intended to help families through urgent or short-term difficulties and prevent situations from becoming more serious.
Hampshire Libraries exist to support communities across Hampshire.
They offer a range of funded activities and events through connect4communities including, ChatAbout, Saturday Family Fun, Afterschool Clubs and weekend Books and Brunch. Please check the online events listings for the full range of activities: Events in libraries.
They've also put together some helpful resources on the different ways libraries can support you during the cost-of-living crisis. Details of these can be found here: Cost of living resources.
Hampshire Libraries exist to support communities across Hampshire.
They offer a range of funded activities and events through connect4communities including, ChatAbout, Saturday Family Fun, Afterschool Clubs and weekend Books and Brunch. Please check the online events listings for the full range of activities: Events in libraries.
They've also put together some helpful resources on the different ways libraries can support you during the cost-of-living crisis. Details of these can be found here: Cost of living resources.
If you are struggling to pay your fuel bill contact your local Citizens Advice, who will be able to assess your eligibility for financial support with fuel bills over the winter period. Details of your local Citizens Advice service can be found on the directory.
If you are struggling to pay your fuel bill contact your local Citizens Advice, who will be able to assess your eligibility for financial support with fuel bills over the winter period. Details of your local Citizens Advice service can be found on the directory.
Community pantries offer access by membership to a range of food products, for a small weekly contribution you will receive food to a significantly higher value. Pantries organise activities, provide wraparound support services and opportunities for social interaction for all of their members. They all offer a friendly and safe space for all their users, creating an environment that encourages a feeling of inclusion and belonging.
There are now 31 community pantries – one of which is a travelling pantry and another being an eco-market, that have been set up across Hampshire providing access to discounted food. In addition, there are 10 locations that are being served by a mobile larder operated by Fareshare.
Community pantries provide groceries at a lower cost than supermarkets or shops, offering a range of fresh, frozen and general foods which can change on a weekly basis. In addition, the pantries are working to help reduce food waste by working with local food businesses.
Access to the community pantry is by way of membership, and for a small weekly contribution, members receive food to a significantly higher value. For example, members are charged a nominal sum of £5.00 per shop and receive £15 plus worth of goods. Community pantries will be encouraged to provide a delivery service for those who are not able to come and shop for whatever reason.
Several pantries organise activities and provide a wraparound support services and social interaction for those who are isolated.
Community pantries offer access by membership to a range of food products, for a small weekly contribution you will receive food to a significantly higher value. Pantries organise activities, provide wraparound support services and opportunities for social interaction for all of their members. They all offer a friendly and safe space for all their users, creating an environment that encourages a feeling of inclusion and belonging.
There are now 31 community pantries – one of which is a travelling pantry and another being an eco-market, that have been set up across Hampshire providing access to discounted food. In addition, there are 10 locations that are being served by a mobile larder operated by Fareshare.
Community pantries provide groceries at a lower cost than supermarkets or shops, offering a range of fresh, frozen and general foods which can change on a weekly basis. In addition, the pantries are working to help reduce food waste by working with local food businesses.
Access to the community pantry is by way of membership, and for a small weekly contribution, members receive food to a significantly higher value. For example, members are charged a nominal sum of £5.00 per shop and receive £15 plus worth of goods. Community pantries will be encouraged to provide a delivery service for those who are not able to come and shop for whatever reason.
Several pantries organise activities and provide a wraparound support services and social interaction for those who are isolated.
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Find out how your local library can support you
Cost of Living resourcesLibraries across Hampshire have put together some helpful resources on the different ways libraries can support you during the cost-of-living crisis. From learning a new skill to free period products, there’s something for everyone.
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Cost of living and money worries
Cost of living and money worriesOrganisations that can help with the cost of living. There are tips to help with meals if you are on a budget, ways to save energy and lower your bills and how to get household goods for free
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Community Pantries in Hampshire
Community pantries across HampshireCommunity Pantries provide groceries at a lower rate than shops and supermarkets. Access to the Community pantry is through membership.
Members pay a small weekly contribution. -
Foodbanks in Hampshire
Food banks across HampshireIf you can't afford to buy enough food, you may be able to get some short term help from your local food bank.
You will need a voucher to use a food bank.