Wellbeing Support Fund launched in Exeter

A Wellbeing Support Fund has been launched in Exeter to support people who find themselves in financial difficulty due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

The scheme has been launched by Exeter City Council, with funding being provided by Devon County Council’s COVID19 Hardship Support Grant, to help individuals who are unable to access support from any other local or national initiatives.

Exeter City Council Leader, Phil Bialyk, said: “These are incredibly difficult times in so many different ways. We know that there are many people who may be struggling financially at the moment and do not have any support. That’s why we at the City Council are keen to help and have launched this Wellbeing Support Fund to see people through this difficult period.”

Devon County Council Leader, John Hart, said: “The impact of the coronavirus outbreak is putting a huge financial strain on some people, with work and income changing overnight as a result of the lockdown.

“If you’re worried about money and how to pay in the short-term for basic essentials, there is immediate help available through this fund.

“By working together with our district council colleagues we can make sure this vital financial support reaches the vulnerable people in our communities who need it most at this difficult and uncertain time.”

Those who may be eligible to access short term funds as a result of a fall in their disposal income include:

Self-employed people who are unable to trade, in the interim until their tax-based grants are paid from June 2020
Self-employed people who started business recently and are not eligible for a grant.
Employees whose employment has been terminated or those still in work but on short time, and where Universal Credit is not yet in payment, or represents a significant drop in income
Employees who may have lost their jobs but are not eligible for furlough
Employees who are sick and either not eligible for Statutory Sick Pay, or where Statutory Sick Pay represents a significant drop in income
People who are isolated and unable to source supplies and are not served by local voluntary help or by shielding
Older people who are not served by local voluntary help and are not able to access any other support

Applications can be made online at https://exeter.gov.uk/ExeterWellbeingSupportFund, or by calling 01392 265000. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday to Sunday 9am to 12 noon.