Island residents facing unexpected financial difficulties are being reminded that help is available through the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).
The fund, which replaced the Household Support Fund in April, is designed to provide fast, practical assistance to low-income households experiencing a sudden financial shock, while also helping people access longer-term support and advice.
Since its launch, the Isle of Wight Council has been encouraging residents to come forward if they are struggling to meet essential costs, stressing that the fund is not limited to people claiming benefits.
What the fund offers
The CRF is backed by around £2.2 million of government funding each year for the next three years and forms part of the council’s wider efforts to help Islanders navigate ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Types of support available
Support available through the scheme includes emergency crisis payments for essential needs, housing-related payments for eligible renters facing shortfalls in housing costs, and access to advice designed to help households improve their financial resilience.
Councillor David Llewellyn, chair of the council’s policy, finance and resources committee, said,
“We know that many households can find themselves under financial pressure through no fault of their own, and often at very short notice.
“The Crisis and Resilience Fund is there to help Islanders through those difficult periods, providing practical support when it is needed most while also helping people access advice and services that can make a lasting difference.
“I would encourage anyone who is worried about meeting essential costs, or who has experienced a sudden financial setback, to get in touch and find out what support may be available. The fund is designed to be accessible and responsive, ensuring people can get help quickly and with dignity.”
Laura Hales, commissioning and projects lead officer, Crisis Resilience Fund, added,
“We want to remind Islanders that this support is available and encourage anyone experiencing genuine financial hardship to find out whether they may be eligible.
“Unexpected financial problems can affect anyone, and the Crisis and Resilience Fund is there to provide practical help at those moments when people need it most.
“Importantly, residents do not need to be receiving benefits to make an application for a crisis payment. The fund is designed to support a wide range of low-income households who find themselves facing a sudden financial shock.
“Our teams can also help people access wider advice and support, enabling them to address the issues that may have contributed to their difficulties and helping them avoid future crises.”
No wrong door
Alongside the launch of the fund, the council brought its Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service in-house to provide a more joined-up approach to support.
Residents contacting the service can receive help with benefits queries, housing issues, access to council services and referrals to local and national organisations which may be able to offer further assistance.
The council says its aim is to ensure there is “no wrong door”, helping residents access the right support at the first point of contact and reducing the need to navigate multiple agencies.
Community role
Community and voluntary organisations also play a key role in the scheme, with funding available to support local projects that help residents within their own communities.
How to apply
For more information and eligibility details, visit the website.
By phone:
- Crisis payment applications: (01983) 823660
- Housing payment applications: (01983) 823950
In person: Appointments can be booked at the Newport or Ryde Help Centre, where advisers can assist with applications and supporting evidence requirements.
Organisations wishing to apply for funding to join the network of resilience services, should call (01983) 823644.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
