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Extra funding is being put in place to support South Tyneside residents suffering financial crisis due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has set up a local Hardship Fund especially for those who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic and need help with daily living expenses such as food, heating and electricity.

Councillor Iain Malcolm, Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, said: "We acknowledge that the impact of coronavirus is putting a huge financial strain on our residents.

"For many people, work and income has changed overnight. Yet individuals and families still have bills to pay and food to put on the table with many left desperately worried about how they will make ends meet.

"We want residents experiencing such hardship during these extremely difficult times to know that they are not alone and that we are committed to doing all we can to help them.

"We hope that this new Hardship Fund will go some way to help ease the immediate financial pressures faced by people who have suddenly fallen into financial crisis, or become even more vulnerable, as a result of the current coronavirus situation."

The new South Tyneside Hardship Fund, which is being managed through the existing Local Welfare Provision Service, is open to anyone suffering financial hardship due to coronavirus.

The service is available on (0191) 424 7444 and will operate Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, and on Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.

For further information about the Hardship Fund or to make a claim for support, visit Â鶹ÊÓƵ's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/crisissupport  

Applications will be considered on a case by case basis with applicants required to provide proof of their circumstances.