The leader of Dudley Council has praised voluntary groups, faith groups and businesses offering meals to youngsters this half term and announced a council scheme to provide emergency food vouchers to families in crisis.

The council has launched a crisis hotline on 07903 374686 for families in crisis to contact for emergency food vouchers as well as for other help and support.

Dudley Young Health Champion Project will be taking the calls between 9am to 1pm from Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 October.

The caller will be asked a number of questions to understand how best to signpost the family and, if appropriate a code will be emailed to them, together with guidance on how to redeem a food voucher.

This scheme is in addition to the huge and growing number of voluntary groups, faith groups and businesses which have rallied to provide grab bags or meals for children over the half term holiday. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council said:

No-one wants to see children go hungry this half term and we have been working behind the scenes to get this voucher scheme up and running

I’m delighted to say today it is now live and I would urge any family in crisis to get in touch. As well as offering food vouchers people calling the number can also be signposted to further support and advice

I’d also like to say a massive thank you to all the businesses, faith groups and voluntary groups which have offered up meals to children this half term.

Throughout this crisis we have seen an incredible response from our close-knit community as we work together to support each other.

For more details visit on the emergency food voucher scheme visit dudley.gov.uk/halftermfood.