Thousands of Havering residents have received vital support through the Council’s Emergency Assistance Scheme, Havering Helps, funded by the UK Government’s Household Support Fund.
The scheme continues to provide essentials such as food, heating, and household appliances to those most in need.
Since its launch, more than 22,000 applications have been made, including 6,576 households applying directly.
The scheme has supported over 20,000 children during school holiday with food and other essentials, and has distributed a total of £469,325 to residents in need.
The scheme also included the High Energy Usage Medical Equipment (HEUME) initiative, which provided direct financial support to over 1,200 residents who rely on energy-intensive medical equipment at home.
This programme has now finished, but it gave vital help to residents during a time of particularly high energy costs.
Other initiatives under the scheme have included offering a week’s rent off to council tenants transitioning from Universal Credit to Housing Benefit, and providing funding for furniture to help people sleeping rough move into their own accommodation.
Havering Helps has also played a major role in reopening community hubs at Rainham Library and Harold Hill Library.
These hubs host weekly drop-in sessions offering advice and support, from help with applications to guidance on managing household bills.
Delivered in partnership with local organisations, the hubs make it easier for residents to access multiple services in one place.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“We’ve worked hard to make sure Havering Helps reaches the people who need it most.
"From streamlining applications to introducing new types of support, we’re doing everything we can to respond to the challenges our residents are facing.
This scheme is just one of the ways we’re standing by people during difficult times.”
With warmer weather expected to continue, the Council has also launched a network of Cool Spaces across Havering – also supported through the Household Support Fund.
These free, welcoming venues offer a safe place to keep cool and are open to all residents.
From April 2023, applications to the Emergency Assistance Scheme are limited to one every eight weeks, ensuring that the support reaches those with the greatest need.
Residents are encouraged to check the Havering Emergency Assistance Scheme Policy for full details on eligibility and excluded items.
Residents who need support with the cost of living should visit the Havering Helps web page, or contact us directly via email costoflivingresponse@havering.gov.uk or call the Cost of Living helpline on 01708 432280.