South Hams District Council - Community Support Information

Community Support

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6 May 2020

COVID-19


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Help for Residents Who Need Basic Essentials

Pile of money

A Welfare Support Fund has been launched by South Hams District and West Devon Borough Councils, in association with Devon County Council, to support residents whose financial situation has been seriously affected by the current pandemic.

The Covid19 Welfare Support Fund will help people who have no money for even the most basic household essentials.  The fund can provide small emergency payments to help with necessities such as food, basic household items, essential travel or utility payments.

Residents may be eligible for the short term support due to a fall in their disposal income, if:                                                                                           

  • They run their own business, and cannot currently trade.
  • Their business has been drastically reduced because of the Pandemic.
  • Their employment situation has changed and their income no longer covers their needs
  • They have lost their job due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
  • They have still not received expected Government funding (self-employed).
Judy Pearce

South Hams District Council Leader, Councillor Judy Pearce said: "It's so very important that we support our residents as much as we can because we know that some people are struggling to pay for even the most basic needs for themselves and their families.

"That's why we've teamed up with the County Council to provide short term support to help people get over this hurdle and to ease some of their financial pressures. 

"I would urge residents to apply through our website if they think they're eligible and we will aim to arrange support the same day where possible, if they're sent to us in the morning.  If a resident doesn't have access to our website, they can call us on 01803 861407 instead."

Cllr Neil Jory

West Devon Borough Council Leader, Councillor Neil Jory said: “This is such a difficult time for everyone but particularly for those who have lost their livelihood and have no available cash to provide food and basics for their home and families.

“We want to help, so we’re working in partnership with Devon County Council to provide fast access to support to help people get their feet back on the ground over this period.  If a resident applies in the morning, we’re going to pull out all the stops to get them their support by the afternoon wherever we possibly can.  We’ve drafted a team of staff to process the applications as soon as they come in.  It’s that important that we get support to where it’s needed fast.

“If a resident thinks they’re eligible, apply today for funding on our website, and if they don’t have access to our website, they can call us on 01803 861407 instead.”

Devon County Council Leader, Councillor John Hart said: "The impact of the coronavirus outbreak is putting a huge financial strain on some people, with work and income changing overnight as a result of the lockdown.

"If you're worried about money and how to pay in the short-term for basic essentials, there is immediate help available through this fund.

"By working together with our district council colleagues we can make sure this vital financial support reaches the vulnerable people in our communities who need it most at this difficult and uncertain time."

If you are a resident and have been affected financially by Coronavirus (COVID-19), and can demonstrate a need for immediate short-term financial help, you can apply for a grant by completing a simple online application form on the links below.

www.southhams.gov.uk/welfarefund

www.westdevon.gov.uk/welfarefund

If you need help and don't have access to a computer, please call the Councils from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 01803 861407.