Administered through the Council’s children’s centres, the fund will provide immediate assistance to local families who engage with their services, with public services such as health, housing, education and other partners able to refer families in need. Funding will be available until March 31 2025.

With children’s centres acting as the first point of contact in the community for many families, the fund will help with costs for food, utilities and other essential items. Previously the Children’s Centre Crisis Fund has been used to support families needing to replace white goods, beds and bedding, and clothes and shoes.

One parent was able to buy a new oven through the Crisis Fund and said:

We are a SEN family and unfortunately just before Christmas, our cooker broke. Being a single mum with 6 children, 5 who have additional needs, it was a horrific tragedy. We didn’t have the money to replace it. I reached out to my local children’s centre, and after a short friendly conversation, a visit to our home to view our broken cooker and a financial benefit check, my family was awarded a cooker which was a huge benefit and improved our family immensely. We are forever grateful.

Another was able to buy beds:

I always try my hardest but recently financially things are becoming so stressful trying to manage. I could not have managed to buy beds as well as food and paying the bills. I feel very thankful for all the help; I know that you help so many people.

Councillor Steve Owen, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

Many families are feeling the strain of the rising cost of living, which can make it difficult to cover the basics. Changes in circumstances, like losing a job or becoming a single parent household, can also cause people to struggle. We are pleased to have been able to identify an additional £100,000 from the Household Support Fund which will be distributed by our children’s centres to support local families.

This fund is here to offer a helping hand to those who need it most, ensuring children and families get the support they need during challenging times. Our children’s centres provide a vital service to our communities, already supporting families by working with local food banks, and collecting and distributing items that have been donated. Through the Crisis Fund, eligible families facing difficulties will be supported to receive essential items. Children’s centres will also be able to signpost families to ensure they are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to.

The Council has children’s centres in Dunstable, Flitwick, Houghton Regis, Leighton Buzzard, Shefford, Stotfold, and Sandy. Find your local children’s centre

The Council also has a dedicated cost of living information hub on its website, which is full of advice and resources that can help anyone concerned about the cost of living. Find out more information on cost of living.