Support Network
Dear Parents and Carers,
The rising cost of living is affecting families across the country, if you are in need please do not hesitate to get in touch with school, we work closely with local partnerships and there is support in the local area to get us through these challenging times.
Dover Foodbank
Please be reminded that we are registered to issue ‘vouchers’ for the Foodbank, for families in crisis. The Foodbank can help not only with emergency food, but also offer fruit, vegetable, and meat vouchers to be used in local partnership stores. They can also help as a ‘Fuel Bank’, with emergency credit which can be used to top up your gas and electricity meter. For anyone is real need there is the additional support of help with White Goods, so please do get in touch with school if you need support with a referral.
Dover Pantry
For a small weekly subscription of £5, members of this pantry will be able to buy food, including fresh fruit and vegetables and store cupboard favourites, to the value of £15 to £20 or more. Membership is open to the community surrounding the pantry address and local families are strongly encouraged to join. The Pantry is located in the Charlton Centre.
Aylesham Community Fridge
Community Fridges are spaces where anyone can access free, quality food that may otherwise go to waste. The Community Fridge is open 10am to 2pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30am to 2pm on Friday at the Jubilee Family Centre.
Sunrise Cafe Snargate Street
They operate a 'pay what you can afford' model so that no one goes hungry, and customers are asked to pay what they can afford. The goal is to provide tasty food for all, including those who are hungry and struggling to put meals on the table for themselves or their families in the Dover area.
United Families
Offer a range of support including a foodbank and support for food. https://unitedfamiliesuk.org.uk/
Dover District Council
For regular updates and helpful information sign up to Dover District Council’s Keep me posted, visit the website, Facebook page and Twitter. https://www.dover.gov.uk/Home.aspx
Benefits and financial support - Kent County Council
Home essentials in a crisis - Kent County Council
Energy providers may also be able to offer emergency credit. The British Gas Energy Trust - https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/, or the Salvation Army (https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/budget-and-debt-advice/emergency-assistance ) may be able to help.
Family Fund (Provider of Grants to low income families)
Grants to families in receipt of various benefits/low income who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person aged 17 and under. 01904 550055
Free service that helps people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help. 03000 3335700
Citizen’s Advice
Adviceline (England 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday except public holidays): 0800144 8848
You can qualify for Healthy Start if you are at least 10 weeks pregnant or you have a child under four years old and you or your family get at least one of the following:
- Income Support
- Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit (with family income of £16,190 or less per year)
- Universal Credit (with family take home pay of £408 or less per month)
- You also qualify if you are under 18 and pregnant even if you don't get any of the above benefits.
Sign up through your local children's centre, midwife or GP.
