This year's February half term, which begins tomorrow, Monday 15, promises to be a challenge for many families for obvious reasons.

However, there is a wide range of support available to parents across the borough who feel that you may need it.

This includes:

• The Community Food Offer for February Half Term is in place for parents of children who receive free school meals.

A map of all the help available from different organisations across the borough can be found on the Welcome Network website.

If you are having trouble contacting any of the groups referenced, please email [email protected] for assistance.

• Live Well Cheshire West also contains advice about supporting children and young people during the extended period that they are home whilst schools and other settings are closed.

The resources available cover a range of different situations, from accessing free school meals to explaining the coronavirus crisis to children.

• The Winter Grant Scheme, which offers help with essentials such as food, fuel and water bills through the winter months, is still available for eligible families in west Cheshire until the end of March.

Families can apply online and a single payment will be made directly into their bank account. To access the eligibility criteria and application form, click here.

• The Winter Grant funding is also providing support through the Council's Help in Emergencies for Local People (HELP) Scheme. This scheme provides urgent needs assistance to individuals and families in the borough who are vulnerable or who find themselves in an exceptional situation.

Families can find out if they are eligible for this scheme on the Council website.

• Help is also available from Mid Cheshire Foodbank and Runcorn and District Foodbank, which covers Frodsham and the surrounding areas.

• A list of resources and information about financial support for families and individuals can be found here.

• Anyone struggling with their mental health can call the Cheshire West Mental Health Crisis Helpline on 0800 145 6485. This is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for adults, children and young people.

• Open the Door offers advice and support for people who face an increased risk of domestic abuse while the 'stay at home' alert level is in place. The website contains details of local organisations that can help.