GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council has introduced the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which aims to support families experiencing extreme hardship.

It replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments to offer immediate help as well as crisis prevention.

A crisis refers to a sudden event or situation that causes immediate hardship, or puts an individual or family at risk of losing basic safety, wellbeing or financial stability. Examples include floods, fires, medical emergencies, redundancy, unexpected bills like funeral costs and more.

Ann James, Director of Children’s Services at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Families can face sudden and unexpected challenges that put real pressure on their finances, safety and wellbeing. The Crisis and Resilience Fund allows us to respond quickly when people need urgent help, while also offering support that can prevent problems from escalating.

“This funding will help us work alongside our partners to provide practical assistance, strengthen resilience, and support families to regain stability during difficult times.”

The funding is a national Department for Work and Pensions initiative, and delivered locally by Gloucestershire County Council.

The county council received government funding of £17.1 million to support vulnerable residents through the Crisis and Resilience Fund for three years from April 2026 to March 2029.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund can help with crisis payments, food support through supermarket vouchers, energy support, including electricity and gas, housing payments to cover shortfalls in rent for Housing Benefit, essential household items, and signposting to longer term support.

Longer term support can include free debt advice, benefits checks, digital support, or further training and employment advice.

To apply for support and to learn more, information is available online via Family Hubs on Gloucestershire County Council’s website.