Support

Norfolk Support Offer

Norfolk County Council, alongside local councils across Norfolk, is aiming to support as many residents as possible to access financial and other support if they are facing hardship. 

We know for many people current times will be challenging for a variety of reasons, and there will be a lot of people who will need help with things like paying the bills and buying food, and many people who have never needed help before. 

To make sure people can access help and support where they need and to help you understand some of the support that is available from Norfolk County Council, here is a quick summary of two of their offers: 

The Norfolk Assistance Scheme (NAS) 

NAS already provides hardship support to Norfolk residents, and this offer is being extended to reach more people where needed, over the winter period. The offer uses an additional government grant that is primarily aimed at families with children. 

Initially the two-week provision includes 

• Morrisons food boxes 

• Additional support with household essentials like nappies, formula milk and cleaning products 

• Paypoint top ups for gas and electricity 

• Daily living allowance for living expenses and household bills where needed. 

Week three onwards 

• Support with things like broadband and help to get online 

• Additional support with household items such as washing machines and fridges 

• If further food and essential support is needed after the initial two-week period, then this will be implemented by NAS for as long as is required. 

Free School Meals vouchers 

All schools and educational establishments in Norfolk will have received communication about ensuring that all children who are eligible are signed up for free school meals (the means tested pupil premium element and not the universal free school meals that all children in reception to the end of year 2 are entitled to). Schools are then able to provide a link and code for EdenRed which is the chosen provider of supermarket vouchers to the value of £15 per child per week, for two weeks over Christmas and a Week at February half term - these vouchers can be used at all main UK supermarkets. 

If you know of a family who you think may be eligible for free school meals, who are not currently receiving them, please encourage them to apply by either contacting the school office or by completing the form listed at the bottom of this page and sending it in to the school office.  Alternatively parents can apply online to Norfolk County Council Free School Meals.