SINCE the launch of BCP Council's Winter Support campaign more than 600 individuals and families have been provided with food vouchers.

Through the initiative, which started in December, 455 residents across the conurbation have asked for help.

To date, 610 struggling individuals and families have been provided with food vouchers – with 103 households receiving help to stay warm though grant funding.

Cllr Nicola Greene, member for Covid resilience, public health and education, said: "This winter is a particularly difficult one for many, we know that there are many families and individuals across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who will be struggling.

“We are continuing to provide help and information to those who need help accessing food and financial support this winter.

"We urge anybody struggling to get what they need because of the Covid-19 pandemic, lockdown, or financial difficulty to please get in touch."

BCP Council says it has also worked with 96 schools, two colleges and early years providers to ensure that children in the area had access to food over the Christmas school holidays, by providing vouchers for food to around 9,000 children.

These vouchers will also be provided for the upcoming February half term.

Support from the Winter Grant Scheme includes:

• Access to food voucher for children and families who are eligible for free school meals, during school holidays, via their schools

• Support for other households and residents struggling with food costs

• Increased support for local food banks and community food support including pantries and community fridges, working with Dorset Community Foundation to provide grants to the community and voluntary sector

• Support for residents who are struggling to pay utility bills and costs associated with keeping warm during the winter months through a dedicated helpline for fuel support led by BCP Citizens Advice

• Support to access food for vulnerable households that may be self-isolating with no other support networks to help with food shopping, delivered through the Together We Can helpline.

Visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/wintersupport for information.

Alternatively, to access food if you are affected by the pandemic, call the Together We Can helpline on 0300 123 7052, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.