Partners and organisations are joining Bolton Council to support local residents with fuel, food and money worries.
With people having to make cutbacks due to the cost-of-living pressures, more people need help accessing food, financial support, warm and safe places to stay and ways to keep in good shape both physically and mentally.
Although the council and its partners have always provided support via its traditional offer, they have stepped up the level of support and amongst other events, have organised a cost-of-living event at Farnworth Start Well Centre.
Those needing a little extra help can drop-in to the centre at this free event, to find out what support is available for them.
Partner organisations will be on hand to give one-to-one advice on fuel, budgeting, benefits and finances.
The Play and Youth Service will also be providing free arts and crafts activities and fun games during the morning.
Support services include:
Bolton’s Money Skills Service – can help with a range of issues including high energy costs, budgeting guidance and dealing with debts.
Bolton at Home UCAN Centres – can provide advice and guidance on what support is available for customers to access, information on UCAN centres, employment support, I.T, money advice, housing enquiries, training, local community projects and warm centres.
Starts With You - is a Social Enterprise in Bolton, set up by Bolton at Home to support the local community. They offer a variety of services including money, welfare benefit and debt advice, energy advice, digital inclusion and IT support and life and career coaching.
Play & Youth Service - promoting the Holiday Activity & Food (HAF) programme for young people on benefits related free school meals.
Bolton Council Families Information Service - offers free information on early education and services for children, young people and families in Bolton (including help with childcare costs).
Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service - advice and guidance on fire safety, especially heating, cooking and candles.
Bolton Library and Museum Services - find out about all their offers including free Wi-Fi, family activities and other community sessions. Become a member to enjoy their book collection including eBooks and eMagazines via their eLibrary.
Bolton Digital, Employment and Skills - provide help to find the right learning and skills, training, digital skills and ESOL support.
Bolton GP Federation - there to support in whatever way they can. You may be concerned about food, how to make your money go further, fuel and how your health is being affected.
Public Health - information on Let’s Keep Bolton Moving and the Community Champions programmes.
Home-Start - is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support helping families with young children through their challenging times. They are there for parents when they need us the most because childhood can’t wait.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Cllr Rabiya Jiva, said:
“Looking after our communities, especially in times of need, is a high priority in Bolton.
“We want to provide the right support at the right time in addition to making those support services as accessible as possible.
“That’s why we’re bringing the support right into the heart of the community and I’d encourage everybody to come and talk to the providers.”
Drop-in to Farnworth Start Well Centre, King Street BL4 7AP on Saturday 8th July from 10am – 12pm.
For those who can’t make it to the event, there’s help available online at bolton.uat.jadu.net/costofliving