West Sussex County Council: "We Don't Want Any Child Going Hungry"

"I want to be really clear that this council’s priority is the children and families living in West Sussex. We have really well established systems in place to support those in need and I want to make sure everyone who needs support, knows how to access it."

That's from the Leader of West Sussex County Council, Paul Marshall, speaking as the local authority continues to keep its Community Hub operating across this half-term school holiday, and beyond.

This week, children and families who need support over the school holidays and the upcoming winter were once again being reminded by West Sussex County Council to contact the Community Hub, which is there to provide help during the COVID pandemic.

A county council spokesperson said that the Community Hub, which was set up in March 2020 to give practical support and assistance to anyone adversely affected by COVID-19, has provided access to food and essential household supplies to individuals and families since its launch, together with information, advice and guidance.

The authority's figures showed that, to date, the Community Hub has received more than 54,000 inbound calls and online support request forms, made over 37,000 outbound calls and delivered 3,437 urgent food parcels across the county.

Following recent debate in the media about support for children during the school holidays, West Sussex County Council has reiterated its commitment to providing assistance to vulnerable families and reminded people where they can get help.

Paul Marshall, Leader of the Council, said:

“We don’t want any child going hungry and in West Sussex we have had support in place since March to make sure this pandemic does not leave families unable to take care of their children.

"Not being able to put food on the table is something no parent should have to experience and therefore I don’t want anyone to suffer in silence.

“Our Community Hub is totally confidential and there to support anyone who needs it." 

The county council has also pledged to continue its financial support for families through its children's and adult services in addition to the community hub activity — and this activity has increased during the pandemic.

West Sussex County Council has received £737,319 in funding from DEFRA’S Local Authority Emergency Assistance Grant to support people struggling with food and essential supplies.

This funding has been used by the Hub to get support quickly to those in need throughout the county.

£383,000 of that money has been spent directly on food or other essential supplies for vulnerable people.

In addition, £100,000 has been allocated to Citizens Advice and associated charities in West Sussex to operate the emergency utility scheme and refer eligible people needing assistance with food to the Community Hub.

A further £60,000 of the grant has been allocated via established Food Banks to provide food within communities.

The council added that discussions are ongoing with district and borough councils in West Sussex to provide further assistance to community-based organisations who are coming together to create local food partnerships.

The remaining £203,000 of the funding is allocated to supporting families and individuals in need as the pandemic continues.

In addition, the County Council continued to work with its partners including the district and borough councils and the voluntary and community sector.

Cllr Marshall added:

“Communities have been outstanding during the pandemic and many people have supported neighbours, set up initiatives and looked after those who need it.

"As a County Council we are here to support all of our residents, particularly our most vulnerable.

"I welcome the Prime Minister’s comment that no child will go hungry this Christmas and await with interest the Government’s future plans on this issue.”

The Community Hub is set to remain open throughout winter and the County Council said it is already looking at what capacity is needed over the Christmas holiday period.

West Sussex County Council promised to continue to work with district and borough colleagues and a wide range of partners to assist those who might be experiencing financial hardship, including supporting the development of food partnerships and offering help via Citizens Advice for those struggling to pay utility or fuel costs.

The West Sussex county-wide Community Hub is available seven days a week and staff will be on hand to respond to enquiries between 8am-8pm.

A dedicated telephone helpline is also available for residents who are unable to go online or would rather speak to someone in person: 033 022 27980.