08 September 2022

Press Release from Buckinghamshire Council

Together with partners Heart of Bucks, the council has launched an appeal to raise extra funds for local people in need, channelling offers of financial help in the most effective way.

Alongside the new ‘crisis fund’, the council will be enhancing the comprehensive support it already provides to residents experiencing hardship through its Helping Hand programme.

For residents who need to access help, the following support will be available

• Individuals or households in need can contact our Helping Hand team. The team offers advice, help and information to people who need it, including financial help to cover the food and energy costs to households in crisis
• We will be joining forces with other organisations across Buckinghamshire to create a network of welcoming spaces this winter to assist when the weather turns colder. These spaces will provide a warm, welcoming and supportive space for anyone who needs it
• We’re joining up with partners across Buckinghamshire to offer specialist advice and information and have created a dedicated section on our website for residents who need extra support to search and find the right help for them, depending on their circumstances.

The Council is also working hard to channel offers of help and support. If residents want to offer help to others they can:

• donate to the new Heart of Bucks crisis fund
• volunteer your time to vital local organisations such as Citizens Advice Bucks, Foodcycle, community growing projects such as Grow It, Cook It, Eat It, and other general volunteering opportunities that help in the local community
• donate to a local foodbank or community fridge

Councillor Martin Tett is Leader of Buckinghamshire Council. He said:

“Alongside the national support that’s already available, with more on the way, it’s key for us as a council to do all we can to support our most vulnerable residents through this crisis.

This support package is built around our Helping Hand offer, available for residents facing hardship. We’re also launching the new crisis fund where we hope to raise money as another means of helping those within our communities who need it most this winter. Importantly this is the start of this support programme – we are evolving these plans with partners across Buckinghamshire and this support package will develop and change as we move into winter and beyond.

If you’re struggling and worried about what winter will bring, please start by taking a look at the dedicated new Cost of Living section on our website where you can read more about all of this.”

Henry Allmand is Chief Executive of Heart of Bucks. He said:

“We are delighted to be working in close partnership with Buckinghamshire Council to support the most vulnerable in the county. Using our unique network of advocates within the community, we are able to reach those who are in desperate need of financial assistance during these unprecedented times.

The support of private philanthropists, local residents, volunteer advocates, and the Council means we are able to have an even greater impact. We are grateful to everyone who is supporting our Crisis Appeal.”

• For more information on the Cost of Living, and to donate to the Heart of Bucks Crisis Fund, go to www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/helping-hand
• Martin Tett is available for interviews on the Cost of Living; please contact the Council’s Communications Team via communications@buckinghamshire.gov.uk to organise
• Check the Government’s website at www.gov.uk for up to date details of the national ‘Help for Households’ support available.