Children and young people eligible for free school meals will continue to receive support during the Easter break thanks to continued funding.

Northumberland County Council has received a further £345,000 as part of the government’s Winter Support Grant Scheme ensuring those who are eligible for free school meals and families facing hardship during this time can get access to support.

Free school meal funding has also been bolstered by the council to increase the £15 per week allocation to a total of £45 for the two-week period per child.

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member with responsibility for Children’s Services, said: “It has been an extremely difficult year for families, children and young people.

“Our children’s health and wellbeing is a priority and by providing them with access to regular meals during the school break will be a welcome relief for many. It is important we continue to support them as much as we can.”

Parents and carers of eligible children are advised to contact their school directly to see what is in place for them. Families that are not in receipt of free school meals already but think their child(ren) may be eligible, should apply here.

Those families that are not eligible but feeling financial pressures can access further support through Northumberland Communities Together.

Northumberland Communities together have a number of initiatives to help support households facing hardship as a result of coronavirus.

The Winter Support Grant Scheme continues to enable the council to help households with food, or fuel and water payments.

Councillor Veronica Jones, cabinet member responsible for Northumberland Communities Together, said: “Whilst there continues to be a demand for support and assistance as a result of Covid-19, support will continue to be there.”

If you or anyone you know is struggling as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, then the Northumberland Communities Together team is there to help.