More than £78,000 in grants have been made available so far to help children, parents and carers struggling with the cost of living.

The money’s come from South Gloucestershire Council’s Cost Of Living Children, Young People and Families Support Fund Award. It’s gone to twelve different organisations working in communities across the area.

The Award had a total of £110,000. In the first round of funding, £78,625.50 was awarded to the twelve organisations. This will help 5,000 children, young people and families in South Gloucestershire.

All of these people will have been identified as being significantly impacted by cost of living pressures.

A second funding round will be allocated and distributed in the new year for the remaining amount of money.

The organisations who’ve received funding have a range of specialisms. The grants they’ve been awarded will achieve various things for children and their parents/carers, including:

• Lunch for families over Christmas
• Training for youth workers
• Tickets to a theatre performance at Bristol Old Vic for those who wouldn’t normally be able to go
• Supermarket vouchers
• Food parcels, packed lunches and hot meals
• Recipe books focussed on budget-friendly family meals
• Training for youth mentors to be able to provide talking therapy
• A residential trip for those who wouldn’t normally be able to go
• Talking therapy sessions for those who might not otherwise be able to afford it
• Training for staff to identify cost of living needs and have supportive conversations
• Bus and train travel financial assistance
• Hiring a minibus to take people to things
• Kitchen starter packs for young people moving into new accommodation
• Slow cookers
• Electric blankets
• Outdoor play equipment
• Energy bill financial assistance
• Essential documentation financial assistance
• School shoes
• Free or lower cost places at a junior street dance group

Labour’s Alison Evans, Cabinet Member for the Cost of Living, Inequalities and Public Health, said: “Addressing the cost of living really matters to us. That’s why we created a Cabinet position specifically for it.

“These 12 recipients are doing absolutely amazing things in their communities to make people’s lives better. Children, young people and families will really notice a difference because of these grants.

“We would love to do even more for those who’re struggling, and we’ll keep pushing central government to provide local councils like ours with the funding we need.”

More information on fund recipients can be found at the bottom of this table.