Household Support Fund
£3.2m is available to support Gateshead households in the most need. Support will be available until 31 March 2026, or when the funding runs out (whichever is sooner).The grant is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
How we will use the fund in Gateshead
Each local council decides how to use the fund in their area. Gateshead councillors have agreed how the fund will be used.
We will use the fund to meet immediate needs and help people who are struggling to afford household essentials including energy bills, food, and wider essentials.
Targeted food provision
- Free school meals during school holidays - £15 per child per week (automatically provided to eligible households)
- An additional voucher in December to support households receiving means-tested free school meals
Other support through existing and new projects (including but not limited to)
- Food co-ops, food banks and other social supermarkets
- Gateshead Foodbank (opens new window)
- Feeding Families (opens new window)
- Warm Spaces Network
- Refreshments in council warm spaces
- Citizens Advice Gateshead (opens new window)
- 2 Way Tenancy Solutions (opens new window)
If you still need support
Help for council tenants
Contact the Advice and Support Team
Help for any Gateshead resident
Contact the Debt Advice Service (opens new window)
Services from Citizens Advice Gateshead
Anyone struggling with money problems can receive free, independent and impartial advice by calling the Citizens Advice Gateshead debtline on 0191 490 4248.
If you have any other enquiries, for example welfare benefit issues, housing, employment or relationship problems, call Citizens Advice Gateshead on 0808 278 7902.
Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm.