A VOUCHER scheme has launched this winter to help people who may struggle to pay for heating or food get essentials.

The new, targeted programme set up by South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils will help people with their food, energy and water bills and other household essentials.

The funding to pay for the voucher scheme is part of a £3.4 million package of support allocated to Oxfordshire County Council from the government’s Household Support Fund.

The council's are working with the volunteers to give help to the right people who need it.

Read also:Watlington Road fire house sells at auction for almost £200K

Councillor Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities at Vale of White Horse District Council said: “Asking for help can be difficult – especially for those who have suddenly found themselves struggling financially, which can be for so many different reasons.

“Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you find yourself in financial difficulty this winter or struggling at all to afford household bills. Winter can be a particularly difficult time with heating costs and other essentials adding up, so the vouchers are in place to help relieve financial pressure and take

People in both South Oxfordshire and the Vale can get in touch with Citizens Advice for more information or to apply. In the Vale, the voluntary organisation Vale Community Impact are also ready to help people with vouchers. The county council also is providing support for children and young people eligible for free school meals from the same government fund.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok

Got a story for us? Send us your news and pictures here

List an event for free on our website here