Support
Household Support Fund
Household Support Fund Family Vouchers - Overview
Eligible families that didn't qualify for a supermarket voucher from school last term can now apply for a £70 supermarket voucher per eligible child. This includes any families with eligible children who have just started in Reception (or other year groups) who did not register for FSM in time to receive a voucher from school last term, as well as families with children eligible for free school meals who have other children who do not receive free school meals so did not receive a voucher, for example children who are not attending school in Portsmouth. In order to qualify, total household earned income, in the month before applying, needs to be £1,350 or less.
Families can find out more information and how to apply at www.portsmouth.gov.uk/household-support.
Applications should be made using the online form where possible - Household Support Fund - Apply for a Family Voucher
Any families that are unable to complete an application online and upload copies of their evidence documents, can get support by calling our dedicated Household Support Fund Helpline on 023 9268 8010.
Anyone applying by phone, will need to bring their evidence documents to the Civic Offices to be scanned.
We have created an FAQ and eligibility checker to answer any questions about the scheme - please see attached.
We've also created a flyer which can be shared with parents to make them aware of the scheme and how to apply - please see attached. This can be sent out electronically, but if you need any hard copies of the flyer, please let us know how many and how you will give them out.
Applications must be received by 24th November 2023, although the scheme may close earlier if all funds have been given out.
We would appreciate your support in promoting this scheme to eligible families.
Winter supermarket vouchers
A further voucher for £80 for eligible families will be available this winter.
Eligibility Checker
FAQ
Paulsgrove Bathroom Bank
The Paulsgrove Bathroom Bank will be open every Friday and Saturday from this Friday (3rd Nov) between 9 and 11 at St Michael's Church on Hempsted Road. Come and see us if you're struggling with affording bathroom essentials - and choose six items from our stock. No booking or voucher required, although we do ask people to only come once a month. We welcome donations too - everything from sanitary products to soap!
Portsmouth Young Carers
Portsmouth Parent Voice
HAF Fun Pompey - Winter Events
Looking for the perfect way to make this December magical? Join HAF's Wonderful Winter programme to get you and your kids in the schools-out spirit.
From ice skating, trips to the pantomime, family crafts, dancing, roasting marshmallows over a fire, a visit from Santa Claus, loads of sports, day trips, hot chocolate stations, discos and more. We even have an activity where 12-16 year olds can solve a crime scene with a Head of Forensics! (Basically, lots to choose from!)
HAF's Wonderful Winter programme is here to make your days merry and bright, so check out all our activities, including funded and pay-as-you-go spaces.
HAF Fun Pompey (pycportsmouth.co.uk)
The National Sleep Helpline
