As winter approaches, some in the borough may feel in need of support - whether it's financial aid, advice, or something else. 

Stockport Council has announced that it has £250,000 of funding to use to provide such support, plus £2m in National Household Support funding from the UK government. 

Here are some of the council's services which you can use if you're struggling in the ensuing weeks and months. 



Here are some of the support services which Stockport Council is offering to residents of the borough over winter (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Family support vouchers

Households which are receiving council tax support, housing benefit, or free school meals will have received a family support voucher which can be used to help pay for bills. It can also help to pay for food or for certain household appliances. 

The vouchers will be rolled out to a further 8,000 families in December. 

Find more information on this fund HERE.

Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF)

This programme offers activity sessions and a free meal for eligible children. It's an opportunity for youngsters to enjoy a day out and a nutritious meal - the programme runs throughout the holidays in Christmas, February (half term) easter, and summer. 

Find out more about the programme HERE.

Crisis support

The council has a Cost of Living Adviceline, which is available from 9am-4pm Monday to Friday. The helpline can offer crisis payments, foodbank referrals, or just general advice. 

You can reach the helpline on 0161 474 2140. 

Pensioner Assist Network

Stockport Council will be establishing a pensioner assist network in the coming weeks, with the aim of helping pensioners get the support they are entitled to. More details are expected in the coming weeks. 

Food banks

Some of the council's funding will go towards keeping food banks stocked to meet demand throughout the winter. 

Family Hubs

The council's family hubs across the borough will remain staffed and operational. The aim of the hubs is to provide advice and support for parents and their children (aged from pre-birth through to the age of 19, or up to 25 for young people with special needs). 

They will be staffed by professionals who have received relevant training - they will also be a place for other families to meet and share their own advice. 

Find your nearest hub HERE.

Investment in Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector

Local faith and volunteer groups will be receiving some of the aforementioned funding from the council. They'll be able to offer more localised help to those in need. 

The same goes for Stockport Council's partners; that is to say organisations such as Age UK Stockport, Disability Stockport and Signpost for Carers. 

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Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: "We are dedicated to supporting our residents, especially the most vulnerable members of our community. By extending the Holiday Activities and Food programme and launching the Pensioner Assist Network, we're not just meeting national guidelines; we're going the extra mile to ensure no one struggles by offering real, meaningful support. 

"The Pensioner Assist Network will provide six months of focused assistance, helping with income maximisation, benefit uptake, and personalised advice so pensioners can live comfortably, with the support they deserve."

Councillor Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources at Stockport Council, said: "As winter approaches we want to help and support our residents across Stockport that need it most. We don't want anyone to feel alone or isolated - it is a worrying time for many of our residents and our focus is on making sure everyone who needs help knows what support is available to them, so we can all live happy, healthy and independent lives."

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