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Struggling South Tyneside families are to receive some financial support through the Council as part of a move to help those most affected by the pandemic.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has been given funding from the government's COVID Winter Grant scheme, to help with the basics of life such as food and heating.

The focus is on providing support to families with children over the winter but up to 20 per cent of the funding is available for households without children so that no one in genuine need is excluded.

The Council has worked with schools and South Tyneside College to provide the supermarket vouchers to more than 9,000 children and young people in the Borough who are eligible for free school meals. The vouchers will also be provided to families for the February half term week holiday.

A project is also underway to provide limited support to families and individuals with essential household costs such as gas and electricity. This will be announced in January.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Deputy Leader, said: "We recognise that the pandemic continues to make life challenging for everyone but sadly those who are already disadvantaged are being hit hardest.

"With so many people really struggling as a result of COVID-19, we hope this additional support will go some small way towards easing the financial pressures for vulnerable families and individuals."

To find out more about the support available visit