Preston residents experiencing financial hardship as a result of Covid-19 may be eligible for support with food and essential items.

The Local Authority Emergency Assistance Grant scheme is now open for residents in the city who are experiencing financial hardship as a direct result of Covid-19 and need immediate support with food items, household fuel, essential home appliances and school uniforms.

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Councillor Nweeda Khan, Cabinet Member for Communities and Social Justice at Preston City Council, said: “The effects of this virus have been felt by everyone with many people across all walks of life losing both loved ones and their livelihoods, creating untold emotional pain as well as financial uncertainty and anxiety.

“This grant scheme aims to provide timely support to residents experiencing financial hardship as a result of the virus by providing essential food items, support with fuel bills as well as vital household appliances.

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“Throughout the pandemic we have worked closely with faith and voluntary groups to provide help and support to the most vulnerable in our city. This support is still available alongside this grant and I urge anyone who is struggling or doesn’t know where to turn to get in touch and see how we can help.”

To be eligible for the grant applicants must be a Preston resident on low income or in receipt of benefits.

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Residents wishing to apply for the grant should contact Preston Together – the city council’s community hub which also provides a sign posting service for other services in the city as well as advice on finances, debt and access to benefits.

The grant is in addition to the payment available for residents on low income or in receipt of benefits who are struggling to self-isolate due to financial constraints.

To be eligible for the scheme residents must be:

• Aged 16 years or over
• A resident of the Preston area
• Experiencing financial hardship as a direct result of Covid-19 and not have enough resources to meet your immediate short-term needs
• On a low income or in receipt of one of the following benefits:
  • Universal Credit
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Employment Support Allowance
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit

To apply for support you can visit the Emergency Assistance Grant Scheme page on the Preston City Council website.

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What do you think about the support available? Let us know in the comments below