Helping hand for people struggling with living costs
ROCHDALE Borough Council has announced it will introduce ‘warm spaces’ this winter to help residents struggling with the cost of living crisis.
Welcoming ‘warm spaces’ will be available to residents in local community buildings, libraries and leisure centres.
It comes as part of a range of initiatives launched by the council, called ‘Helping Hand’, to help people offset cost of living pressures.
Last week the Rochdale Observer reported that Citizens Advice Rochdale said it is going to be a ‘really hard winter’ as the cost of living bites and that the service had been receiving an ‘unprecedented’ number of calls for help.
Other local support available as part of Helping Hand includes:
● Advice on accessing benefits, pension top ups and other support
● Health and wellbeing advice
● Supermarket vouchers
● Signposting to discounted food schemes
● Housing energy support
● Council tax rebates, to help with energy costs
● Targeted assistance for older people and families
Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I am proud of our local support package, ensuring those residents most in need know that a helping hand is in place to offset national cost of living pressures.
“Helping Hand will ensure local residents, businesses and community groups are fully aware of our targeted assistance, building on the support we have provided over the last twelve months.
“It shows our partnership working at its very best, bringing together the council, voluntary sector, NHS, charities and community groups to provide families and older and vulnerable residents with a helping hand.”
The council will be working with local partners, including the voluntary sector, community groups and charities to deliver targeted cost of living assistance.
‘Helping Hand’ will be promoted on the council’s website, across its social media channels and through posters, leaflets, booklets and outdoor advertising across the borough. Cllr Emmott added: “We will be getting the message out to all parts of the borough, reassuring residents that a range of local support packages are available, giving people a helping hand to put food on the table, offset the cost of energy bills, and stay warm and healthy over the coming months.”
Further information on cost of living support available in the borough can be accessed at www. rochdale.gov.uk/costofliving Residents can also phone 01706 923685, Monday to Friday, 9am5pm to enquire about cost of living assistance.