A COUNCIL has shared how households can receive support to help them through the cost of living crisis. 

Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has released a list of ways it can help. 

Cost of Living Grant Scheme

TVBC created a new £100k scheme to help organisations that are supporting people who are struggling with rising costs. 

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Voluntary groups, not-for-profit organisations, incorporated clubs and societies, schools in relation to their wider community role and parish and town councils can apply for this scheme.

You can apply here. 

Food banks and community pantries 

Food banks are community organisations that can help if you can't afford food that you need, examples include Andover and Romsey Foodbank.

You'll usually need to get a referral to a good bank before you can use it, such as at your nearest Citizens Advice. Or if you can't go to them, you can ask for a referral from an organisation that is already supporting you, for example, a school or charity. 

There are also various community pantries operating in the borough, for more information click here. 

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Clothing exchanges and baby banks

Two options include Andover Clothing Exchange or Romsey Baby Bank, where there are not just clothes but also toys available too.

For more information on how you can receive extra support go to testvalley.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support.