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Help for families this half-term

We're here to help families who are struggling and need assistance with food or other forms of support.

There is no reason for any children in West Berkshire to be going hungry this half-term. West Berkshire Council is here to help families who are struggling and need assistance.

Anyone who needs help should contact the Community Support Hub on 01635 503579 or by email at westberksbct@westberks.gov.uk.

The Community Support Hub is open during office hours; call between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, or between 8.30am and 4.30pm on Friday. As well as providing support directly, the team can also provide advice about other local groups and organisations that might be able to help. For more information and to contact the team via the website visit www.westberks.gov.uk/SupportHub

Leader of West Berkshire Council, Lynne Doherty said:

"We're here to help anyone who is worried about being able to feed their children or access food this half-term. It's a difficult time for families but we want them to know they are not alone and that support is available if they need it.

"We remain committed to ensuring that residents are supported during what is a very difficult time for many people. I want to reassure everyone that we have arrangements in place which means that no child needs to go hungry in West Berkshire. Throughout the pandemic we have worked proactively with local community groups, charities, West Berkshire Volunteer Centre and Greenham Common Trust to ensure that those facing hardship as a result of the coronavirus are supported. I have regularly met with these groups and I would publicly thank them for their work to date."

Update from the Leader and Chief Executive

Every week Council Leader Lynne Doherty and Chief Executive Nick Carter write an blog post about events at West Berkshire Council. In the latest edition, published today, they talk about the support being provided for families facing financial hardship.

Over the weekend there has been debate in the media and in our communities around the extension of free school meals during the holidays. It’s an important issue and one which has prompted residents to write and ask what we are doing here in West Berkshire.

As residents would expect from us, we are fully committed to ensuring people are supported during this difficult period and we already have in place arrangements which mean that no child needs to go hungry in West Berkshire.

You can read the full Weeknote here. 

Thank you to local businesses

Over the weekend local restaurants, pubs and shops have also come forward offering to help feed families who are struggling this half-term. Thanking them on behalf of West Berkshire Council, Leader Lynne Doherty said:

"It's been fantastic to see local businesses coming out and offering food to families in need. It's a further demonstration of the passionate community spirit we've seen in recent months and something which is to be admired. To all those who have been willing to help I express my heartfelt gratitude, I know this can also help to make a difference."

And finally...

You may have seen an open letter to the Leader of the Council calling for additional funding to be spent on extending the Free School Meal scheme throughout the Christmas holidays. You can read our response to the letter here.