Free kids activities, meals and food vouchers – find out how we can help during the cost of living crisis

If you are struggling to make ends meet read on to find out how you could benefit from the Household Support Fund.

Free kids’ activities and school meals in the summer holidays

If your child receives benefit-related free school meals, you can sign them up to take part in the Southampton Holiday Activities and Food programme where they can enjoy fun activities and access a hot meal every day during the summer holidays. There are thousands of free sessions on offer across the city for children aged four to 16, including sports, computers, cookery, art, music, and dance. Check online for more details to see the full programme of what’s on and book your child’s free place.

Everyone is welcome to join in a fun, free Junior Neighbourhood Wardens event on Tuesday 8 August 2023 between 11am and 4pm in Mansel Park, Millbrook. There will be lots of free activities on offer plus live music and the chance for children and young people to sign up to become a Junior Neighbourhood Warden and join in regular community projects and fun activities.

Support to buy food

If you are finding it hard to afford the rising cost of groceries you can apply for a £50 supermarket voucher (plus a further £10 voucher for each additional household member). You can apply online from the following dates (applications will remain open while there is available funding):

• Tuesday 22 August 2023
• Tuesday 14 November 2023
• Tuesday 9 January 2024

We will only accept one application per household which means if you apply and receive support in August, you will not be able to apply again in November or January 2024.

We are working with a range of trusted partner organisations who can also make referrals for very vulnerable households.

Help with housing costs

You may be eligible to receive a one-off payment to help pay your housing or Council Tax bill. This is called a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) and is available if you are already getting Housing Benefit, Universal Credit Housing Element or Council Tax Support.

Support for the local charity and voluntary sector

We are also providing funding to enable local agencies to offer practical support and advice to residents in the city who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

More advice and support

You can read more about the range of support and advice for anyone struggling with the cost of living crisis on our website which includes details on how to check you are receiving your full benefit entitlement, to what to do if you can’t afford to buy food or pay your bills.