Support for families over February half term

There’s a range of support available for families over the February half term.

As lockdown restrictions continue, Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) is highlighting the range of support available to families over the upcoming February half-term week.

A full list of all the support available to families during the half-term can be found on the CWaC website.

Useful resources for the half term

Details about the Winter Grant Scheme payments are included on the webpage. This scheme is still available for families and individuals who have been struggling throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to get help with essentials, such as the cost of food, fuel and water bills over the winter period, up until the end of March. Eligible families, who haven’t already applied for the funding, are encouraged to make an application online. Families only need to apply once for the Winter Grant Scheme. The one off, single payment will be made directly into their bank account.

The Winter Grant funding is also providing support through the Council’s Help in Emergencies for Local People (HELP) Scheme. This scheme provides urgent needs assistance to individuals and families in the borough.

Families can find out if they are eligible for these schemes on the CWaC website.

Food support for residents is available all year round, including during the school holidays, through the Council-backed Welcome Network. Local community groups, currently providing food and support across the borough, have been mapped on the Welcome Network website, so that residents can access the information in one place.

The Welcome Network – get support

The Live Well Cheshire West website provides various resources about supporting children and young people during the lockdown including a section on mental health and wellbeing.

Live Well Cheshire West – Information for parents

Anyone struggling with their mental health can call the Cheshire West Mental Health Crisis Helpline on 0800 145 6485. This is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for adults, children and young people.

The Council’s library service will be posting some fun and creative recyclable crafts, as well as activities on their social media pages at 10.30am every weekday during half term. At 3pm every day, one of the librarians will also be reading a chapter from some of the library team’s favourite children’s books.