Financial support available from the Crisis and Resilience Fund

Applications for the new Crisis and Resilience fund open on Wednesday, 1 April 2026. The fund will help residents who suddenly find themselves in a financial crisis, and it will also give longer‑term support to boost income and manage debt so that people feel more confident and secure when unexpected money problems arise. 

Changes to make school uniforms more affordable

Changes to uniform guidance for schools from September 2026 will help to make uniforms more affordable for parents and carers.

Find out more about the changes, and the support you can get with uniforms locally.

Removal of the two-child limit on Universal Credit

From April 2026, the two-child limit on Universal Credit is being removed. Families with more than two children who receive Universal Credit and/or Tax Credits will be able to claim an additional amount for their third – and subsequent – children. 

New payment rates for Healthy Start

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years old, you could get help to buy milk, fruit and vegetables from the NHS Healthy Start scheme.

From April 2026, the Healthy Start payment rates are increasing.

Support to get back into work

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are funding a new programme called Connect to Work to support individuals with a health barrier or particular disadvantage – such as homelessness or ex-offences – to get back into employment. 

Essential family support from Koala North West

If you are a parent, grandparent or carer living in Cheshire West, you can access Koala North West’s services. They have a team of staff and volunteers who offer direct support to families with early years, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), sleep support, and more.

Free creative workshop – collecting women’s stories through zines

If you are a parent, grandparent or carer living in Cheshire West, you can access Koala North West’s services. They have a team of staff and volunteers who offer direct support to families with early years, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), sleep support, and more.