Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities or extra help with household costs during half term, there is plenty of help available across the borough.

From free activities for children to help with household costs, Ealing Council offers a number of schemes to support families.

Residents who are struggling to pay for everyday essentials may be able to get help through the council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which was introduced earlier this year.

Since April, the CRF has replaced the Household Support Fund. Funded by the UK government, it provides tailored, short-term to long-term help for residents in urgent need.

Applications and further details are available on the council’s website.

Local support

Residents who are finding it difficult to afford food or other essential items can also get help from organisations across the borough, including food banks, community food projects, and other services providing free or affordable food.

Families can also take advantage of free and low-cost activities taking place across the borough during the October school half term.

School holiday vouchers

The council is reminding residents that meal vouchers for school holidays are no longer available following the end of the Household Support Fund and the introduction of the CRF earlier this year. However, families can still access a range of other support.

You can:

• apply for a crisis payment – you can ask for a one-off payment if you are struggling to buy food, or pay for energy bills or other essential living costs
• check you are getting everything you can by using the council’s online benefits calculator to do a quick and easy search. So far, almost 70% of people who have used the calculator have realised they are missing out on financial support
• visit the council’s website for other advice and to find local organisations for help

Meanwhile, families that are registered for free school meals because they receive Universal Credit and have an annual household income of £7,400 or less, will continue to qualify for the council’s free Holiday, Activity and Food (HAF) programme during the Christmas, summer and spring holidays.

Councillor Stephen Donnelly, the council’s cabinet member for inclusive economy and efficiency, said: “We know some families may be concerned about the end of school holiday vouchers, particularly as the October half-term break approaches.

“While the voucher scheme has ended, there is still a range of help available for residents who are struggling financially, including assistance with essentials such as food and household bills.

“I would encourage anyone who is worried about managing during the school break to find out what help may be available and seek advice as early as possible.”