WOW Grant

There is a cost-of-living crisis in the UK resulting in unprecedented pressures on people already in poverty,  people in Herefordshire will be forced to make tough decisions about when and what they eat, what they can do in life, and when they can afford to heat their home.

Grant funding is available as part of the Household Support Fund (HSF),  to support community hubs and organisations across Herefordshire to provide sessions for families, in greatest need.  We invite you to open up your facilities on either weekday evenings, weekends or school holidays from 8th July  to offer vulnerable families in the community with the opportunity to access somewhere that provides, a drink or a meal, engage in activities and receive information and guidance which can support them.

The grant funding is available is to support you in being able to open up your facilities at a time that is accessible for families. During the summer months, please consider the use of outside facilities.

We would like you to include food and drinks, ideally a meal, as part of the offer and activities that children of all ages can enjoy.  

You will be expected to signpost and support families in accessing information and give guidance on how to get financial support.

Monthly reports will be required to show number of households attending, including number of dependants, the volume and the household composition.  

The limit for the grant is £1500.00, we would like the HSF to be utilised by as many families as possible that are most in need and ‘value for money’ will need to be considered in your application.

Beneficiaries

All sessions must be open to all families that are most in need in the community.

• Utility Bills, pay for energy efficient ways to keep the space warm.
• To open up your community venue more frequently and allow greater access for families.
• Staff or volunteer costs to open the facility
• Session set up costs and marketing
• Purchasing food supplies
• Purchasing catering equipment to enable you to provide food and refreshments
• Working with a partner organisation to deliver food

Activities suitable for families accessing sessions to take part in at no cost. 

Timescales

All projects must be delivered by the 30th September 2024.

Reporting

Monthly returns will need to be completed - reporting on the number of people accessing (adults and children) and the volume (number of times) and the household composition.

Application process

The application process will remain open until the allocated budget has been spent, the sessions must have taken place before 30th September 2024.

For questions/ support with the application form please contact householdsupportfund@herefordshire.gov.uk