• Crisis Payments Scheme

If you're experiencing financial hardship due to an unexpected event or crisis, you may be able to access emergency financial support through the Crisis Payments Scheme. This support is designed for households facing an immediate risk to essential living needs.

Find out more:
https://citizensadvicebcp.org.uk/crisis-resilience-fund/

• Let's Talk Money

Free advice and support to help you:

• • Maximise your income
  • Check you're receiving the right benefits
  • Manage debts
  • Budget and manage household finances
  • Let's Talk Money can help you take control of your finances and build longer-term financial resilience.

Find out more:
https://citizensadvicebcp.org.uk/crisis-resilience-fund/

• Local Food Support

There are a range of community food projects across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, including:

• • Food banks
  • Community fridges
  • Food pantries
  • Social supermarkets
  • Community meals
  • Cooking support

• Access to Food Map

Use the Access to Food Map to find local support near you. It includes around 100 listings of community food support available across the BCP area.

Find support near you:
https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/accesstofoodmap

• Access to Food Partnership

The Access to Food Partnership brings together organisations across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to improve access to food support and ensure residents can find help close to where they live.

Find out more:
https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/communities/cost-of-living-help/access-to-food-partnership

• Free School Meals

From September 2026, all children living within a household receiving Universal Credit may be eligible for free school meals.

There are two tiers of support:

Targeted Free School Meals

For eligible households with an annual income of £7,400 or less.

Children may also qualify for additional support including:

• • Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)
  • Pupil Premium
  • Other educational support

Expanded Free School Meals

For eligible households receiving Universal Credit with annual earnings above £7,400.

Find out more and apply:
https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/support-with-education/free-school-meals

Please note: If you have already applied for free school meals and received an acknowledgement, there is no need to reapply.

• Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)

Children who receive targeted free school meals may be eligible for free holiday activities during school holidays. A meal is provided as part of the programme.

Find out more:
https://www.fid.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/family-information-directory/information/holiday-activities/holiday-activities-and-food-programme-haf

• Healthy Start Vouchers

If you're pregnant or have a child under four years old, you may be eligible for Healthy Start support.

Healthy Start can help pay for:

• • Milk
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Infant formula
  • Vitamins

Find out more:
Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)

• Energy Support

Additional help is available if you're struggling with energy costs.

Ridgewater Energy provides advice and practical support to help households:

• • Reduce energy bills
  • Improve energy efficiency
  • Access available grants and support

White goods and appliance support may also be available for eligible households experiencing hardship, including help with essential items such as cookers, fridge freezers and washing machines.

Find out more:
https://ridgewaterenergy.co.uk/

• Housing Payment

Financial assistance may be available if you're struggling with rent or housing costs, helping to prevent financial hardship and maintain housing stability.

Find out more:
https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/benefits-support-and-advice/housing-payment

• Cost of Living Support

A wide range of additional support is available to help with:

• • Food costs
  • Energy bills
  • Housing costs
  • Benefits and finances
  • Family wellbeing
  • Community welcome spaces

Find out more:  Cost of living help | BCP

Why are school holiday food vouchers changing?

Following changes to government funding, school holiday food vouchers will no longer be available. The new funding arrangements focus on helping the most vulnerable families access the right assistance when it is needed most, while also connecting people with advice, practical support and local services that can improve financial wellbeing over the longer term. 

Is help for families ending?

No. There are a range of services available for families across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. These include food provision, financial assistance, money advice, Healthy Start, free school meals, holiday activities and other community services that can help when families are facing challenges. 

What support is available if I am struggling with food costs?

There are a number of options available, depending on your circumstances, including:

• Crisis Payments. Financial support may be available if you're facing an unexpected financial crisis, such as a sudden loss of income or emergency expense that leaves you struggling to pay for essentials.

• Local food support, including food banks, community fridges, food pantries, social supermarkets and community meals.

• Let's Talk Money for budgeting, benefits, debt and money advice.

• Healthy Start for eligible pregnant women and families with young children.

• Free School Meals for eligible school age children.

• Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) for eligible school age children during school holidays.

• Local charities and community organisations offering practical assistance, advice and community connections.

Eligibility and availability may vary depending on your circumstances.

How do I know if I can get help?

If you're worried about food, energy bills or other household costs, we encourage you to seek advice as early as possible.

Local organisations can talk through your situation and help identify the most suitable services for you and your family. Whether you're experiencing financial difficulties, need help accessing food locally, or would benefit from money advice and guidance, there are options available.

Will children go hungry because vouchers are ending?

No child should go without food. Support remains available through a range of services including local food provision, free school meals, Holiday Activities and Food (HAF), Healthy Start and other community-based assistance. If you're concerned about providing food for your family, we encourage you to seek advice as soon as possible so that the right options can be identified for your circumstances.

If you're worried about food, money or other household costs, please don't struggle alone.

There are many local organisations across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole that can offer advice, practical assistance and information about services available to you and your family.

Whether you need help accessing food, support with household costs, or guidance on managing your finances, community organisations are here to help. We encourage you to get in touch and explore the options available through the services listed on this page.

You can also visit the Access to Food Partnership to find local food support, including food banks, community fridges, food pantries, social supermarkets and community meals.

Whatever your circumstances, we encourage you to seek advice early and find out what assistance may be available to you and your family.

Find further help and support on the BCP Council Cost Of Living webpage:

 Cost of living help | BCP