Thousands of children across Merseyside will receive free food vouchers this holiday period.
As the cost of living crisis continues to grip households across the region, many families are forced to make some difficult financial decisions. Knowsley council has since put in a host of support to ensure the vulnerable are not left to suffer, especially over Christmas.
One of which is ensuring that more than 8,000 eligible school pupils have access to food through the festive season. The council will be providing food vouchers to eligible pupils for free school meals over the Christmas school holidays.
READ MORE: Two arrested after man shot in 'targeted street attack'
A Knowsley Council spokesperson told the ECHO: "We are currently supporting over 8,600 eligible pupils over the school holiday period by providing school meal vouchers, funded through the household support fund.
"A £9m investment package has been established in Knowsley (from Household Support Fund allocations as well as the Council’s £4m Knowsley Better Together Hardship Fund) to ensure residents have access to the right help to support them through the cost of living crisis.
"This includes ensuring they have access to food, heating, essentials, debt advice, mental health support as well as providing free activities for children throughout the school holidays."
Activities for children have also been organised, ensuring families have a warm space to go. These are running up until December 23.
"You are not alone"
Knowsley Council’s warm hubs can be found at local libraries from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday and 10.00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays. The locations of Knowsley libraries open to anyone who wants to come in, keep warm and make use of the facilities are: Prescot Library in the Prescot Centre on Aspinall Street; Halewood Library on Rosheath Drive; Huyton Library on Civic Way; and Stockbridge Library at the Withens.
A variety of locations are open to those needing support or are alone through Christmas including Christmas Day where the Salvation Army is hosting a Christmas Dinner. Foodbanks and warm hubs will also be available to attend as people are being reminded they are "not alone".
Cllr Jayne Aston, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: "We have been working with our communities in order to fully understand the pressures they face and ensure our support is tailored to their needs. We have also been working with our partners and community groups to ensure they have what they need to support our communities over this challenging time.
"I would encourage our residents to access the range of help and support is available – online on Knowsley News, through our libraries, community groups or call us. You are not alone and we are here to help."
If you’d prefer to talk to someone over the phone, the Cost of Living Helpline is available from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday up to Friday 23 December 2022, on 0151 443 3300. These hours will change over the festive period, but the Council has teamed up with the Big Help Project to staff the phoneline over the festivities.
Further information about what support is out there can be found at www.knowsleynews.co.uk/cost-of-living-support.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Masked men storm Royal Mail depot and steal parcels days before Christmas
Merseyrail could expand to more destinations after new trains tested
'Caring' woman, 32, dies after house fire as fiancé fights for life
CCTV appeal after brazen burglar broke into house and went upstairs in broad daylight
Where the stars of Merseyside sitcom Watching are now - from Hollywood to EastEnders
