Crisis and Resilience Fund
If your family is going through a hard time or facing an unexpected crisis, your local district council may be able to help.
From 1 April, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) introduced the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) to support local welfare services.
The fund will run until 31 March 2029 and is paid for by the UK Government.
The CRF replaces the Household Support Fund (HSF), which ran from October 2021 until 31 March 2026. Because of this change, free school meal vouchers will no longer be available during school holidays.
How your district council can help
District councils can help with urgent needs such as food, essential household items and other practical support
You may want to contact your district council if you are dealing with things like:
- sudden money problems
- a family emergency that makes it hard to cover basic needs
- trouble getting food or essential household items
- a change at home that leaves you without immediate support
- extra pressure on your household budget, for example during the school holidays
Each district has a team that can talk to you about your situation and explain what help is available in your area. This support may come directly from the council or through local community organisations.
To get help, visit your district council’s website or contact them by phone.
If you are not sure which district council covers your area, you can check by entering your postcode at www.lancashire.gov.uk/district-council.
If you are already getting support from a professional, for example through a Family Hub, school, health visitor or Early Years practitioner, then they can help you to contact your district council.
UA Media