GET CASH TO HELP HEAT YOUR HOME

FAMILIES struggling to heat their homes are being reminded that up to £200 financial support is still available.

Staffordshire County Council is working with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and local charity Beat The Cold to deliver the Covid-19 winter grant scheme.

Families will also be signposted towards the Staffordshire Warmer Homes scheme which could see the installation of free gas central heating.

Mark Sutton, from Staffordshire County Council said: “Hundreds have already benefited from the support.”

Like so many parents, Masha Karpushina from Muswell Hill, north London, has been feeling the pressure of juggling work and kids at home.

After several months of homeschooling Kolya, 13, and Alyosha, nine, by day, and working as an illustrator and editor in the early mornings and at night, Masha is relieved for the sake of her children’s education and wellbeing. But it will also take pressure off her. “I feel a sense of relief and hope,” says Masha, 38. “I was at breaking point in the week before half-term.

“I felt this overwhelming sense of irritation at everything.

I’d reached my limit of patience and I had nothing more to give.

“Within two days of homeschooling you’re overwhelmed with problems, emotions, work

– they just keep coming at you.

It’s very good they’re going back.

“For me the most important thing is that the kids can see their friends again and have the opportunity to be kids.”

BOTH of Stoke-on-trent’s Wetherspoon pubs are to stay closed for longer – because they don’t have beer gardens.

The company this week released a list of all the 394 venues which would be welcoming back drinkers from April 12.

But both The Reginald Mitchell, in Hanley, and The Wheatsheaf, in Stoke, have not been included.

This is because the rules only allow people to drink and eat outside.

The Poste of Stone in Stone is also not on the list of 394.

However, Stokies could instead head to those which have

‘al fresco’ areas – The Arnold Machin, in Ironmarket, Newcastle; The Green Dragon in Leek; The Bradley Green in Biddulph; or The Wheatsheaf in Cheadle.

They Wetherspoon pubs be open from 9am to 9pm from Sunday to Thursday inclusive and 9am to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.