How St Helens has helped its citizens with the cost of living crisis
The St Helens council created the Cost-of-Living Action Group thanks to work with the NHS, police, housing associations, food banks, community centres, schools and sport clubs to “identify where support is needed.”
The group helped those that need financial support to earn government grants and they also held a drop-in event in which residents could get free, confidential and impartial advice about the crisis.
St Helens Borough Council Leader David Baines said: “We have established Warm Spaces across the borough where people can go to for support, with the aid of partners in the faith and voluntary sectors, including Halton and St Helens Voluntary and Community Action.
“These hubs are a lifeline to many local people, providing warmth, food and drink, signposting to financial support and energy saving advice, as well as activities to improve mental health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation.
“Thanks to the effort and support from local voluntary and community groups we now have at least one Warm Space in every ward.
“Our Affordable Warmth Team, Food Provision Team, Revenues and Benefits Team and Wellbeing Service attended the sessions to provide advice on how to keep warm for less, what benefits they may be entitled to and how to keep fit and healthy during the winter months.
“Local partners such as Job Centre Plus, Citizens Advice, Credit Union, United Utilities, Job Centre Plus, and Torus attended our larger sessions to provide advice on managing bills, and how to enhance their prospects. And recently we partnered with Job Centre Plus to host an event at St Helens Town Hall where 20 local partners attended to provide support.”
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
