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A new government‑funded Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) has launched today (7 April) in Essex.

The new fund provides support for families and individuals in financial hardship. It also aims to help communities build long‑term financial resilience.

The fund is designed to support residents with urgent needs.

It will cover the below key areas.

• Crisis Payments for low-income households facing urgent financial difficulty.
• Specific funding as needed. Including those facing immediate financial hardship due to increases in heating oil prices and are at risk of losing immediate access to heating or hot water.
• Expanded Resilience Services, including financial guidance and support.

Residents who believe they are eligible for any of this support can apply online or via the dedicated phone line (0300 790 0124) that is run by Southend City Council. Please note this is for anyone in the Essex County Council area.

Apply online or find out more here- If you live in the Essex County Council area – Crisis and Resilience Fund – Southend-on-Sea City Council

The CRF will also provide targeted housing support for those with a temporary shortfall in housing costs. For this support, please contact us using this form