We are here to help families or individuals who are struggling and need assistance with food or other forms of support.
Anyone who needs help should contact the Community Support Hub on 01635 503579 or by email at westberksbct@westberks.gov.uk. Or you can ask for help using our online request form.
The Community Support Hub is open during office hours; call between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, or between 8.30am and 4.30pm on Friday.
We work with you directly to find a solution that best suits your particular needs. This includes providing advice about other local groups and organisations that might be able to help.
You are also invited to see a list of helpful resources, links and contact details.
|
West Berkshire Council has received a £103,000 Emergency Assistance Grant for Food and Essential Supplies funded through Government aid. The grant is designed for our residents who are struggling financially and have an emergency need for food and essential supplies. West Berkshire Council will be working in close collaboration with Citizens Advice Bureau in allocating this Grant.
Local Practitioners can refer people in need to receive financial help from the Grant. These practitioners include officers in Family Hubs, Education and Welfare, Health Visitors and Social Prescribers. Where individuals/families are identified as being in need of help they will (with their consent) be referred by the practitioner to Citizens Advice Bureau.
Next, Citizens Advice Bureau will carry out an assessment to make sure that the referred individuals are able to access all the support they are entitled to, including national and local benefits. Where there is an immediate food need, the Citizens Advice Bureau will refer people/families to the West Berkshire Food Bank. The aim is to ensure that individuals/families access ongoing support whilst receiving help to meet any immediate needs for food or other essential supplies. Please note that individuals/families must be referred by a local practitioner and applications cannot be made directly to Citizens Advice Bureau.
In addition to working collaboratively with the Council, Citizens Advice Bureau will be working closely with Newbury Community Resource Centre (NCRC) and West Berkshire Food Bank. The Council will be providing NCRC with some of the Grant funding to enable the purchase of white goods that can be provided to applicants referred by the Citizens Advice Bureau.
West Berkshire continues to be in Medium Local COVID Alert Level, so it is important that we continue to adhere to the current Covid guidance in order to keep West Berkshire safe and open. "Medium" means that we must adhere to the rule of 6, work from home where we can, and remember: Hands, Face, Space.
If you plan on participating in the Halloween festivities, please make sure you are doing so safely. We're encouraging you to rethink 'trick or treating' this year and instead try alternative activities such as a pumpkin trail. See additional suggestions for a spooktacular time.
This year, public firework displays have been cancelled, but if you're planning a home display or bonfire, please read the firework code and bonfire safety advice by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
|
Remembrance Sunday Parades and Services are major events in our local towns and regularly attract thousands of people who wish to pay their respects.
Due to the current government guidelines on mass gatherings and social distancing, the usual parades and services will not take place on Remembrance Sunday (8th November) this year.
However, a number of communities throughout the area are organising more restricted events. In many cases these will be recorded for residents to watch at home.
Penny Post has rounded up a list of plans for local towns, which you can view here. Check back often as this page will be kept updated in case of any local event changes or additions.
|