COMMUNITY support organisations across Wirral can apply for grants of up to £200,000 to deliver services for residents struggling to manage through the cost-of-living crisis.

A total of £1.2m is available through the council's Community, Voluntary and Faith Sector Grants Programme for projects that meet at least one of the following priorities:

• Tackle fuel poverty

• Tackle food poverty

• Provide warm hubs and spaces for communities

• Support vulnerable groups

The funding is from the Government's Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) and part of a £1.7 million package of help for residents facing hardship.

The additional £500,000 will be used to increase support for those affected by fuel poverty and enable local organisations already addressing the issue to increase their capacity and provide extra support. Further details of that scheme will be made available shortly.

Wirral Council leader, councillor Janette Williamson, said: "The cost-of-living crisis means that more residents are facing the real risk of falling into poverty, eviction from their homes and damage to their mental and physical health, so it is vital that the Council steps forward and uses whatever resources are available to help tackle its impacts.

"This funding will allow us to engage grass-roots groups who really understand the difficulties faced by people in their neighbourhoods and who are well trusted and respected by local residents.

"It will mitigate the effect on people already experiencing financial hardship, prevent others from becoming financially insecure and provide support for people when they need help."

The deadline for organisations to apply is 12 noon on Friday, October 14.

More information including eligibility criteria, timescales, and the application form, is available at www.wirral.gov.uk/cvfgrant.

Information about other help available in Wirral is at www.wirral.gov.uk/benefits-and-money/cost-living.