A package of measures to help residents and businesses struggling through the cost of living crisis have been unveiled by Trafford Council and its partners.
They include providing places where people can go to a free, safe, warm and comfortable space and get a meal. Digital tools have also been created to signpost people to support networks and places to get money advice, a campaign will also make sure residents aren’t missing out on benefits and a newsletter offering helpful tips is also planned.
The Council has joined forces with a range of partners including the Community Hubs, Citizens Advice Service, the NHS and housing providers to organise support for people and businesses in the borough.
The Community Hubs are co-ordinating the Trafford Living Rooms scheme which will run for six months from October. It is aiming to have at least one space available for people to use between 9am and 7pm in Altrincham, Partington, Old Trafford, Sale, Stretford and Urmston.
The Living Rooms in Partington are due to open by the end of October while Streford Public Hall will launch its weekly warmer this month as well. More spaces for people to go to across Trafford will be starting soon.
Community groups and businesses who can help out are being asked to contact organisers at Trafford Living Rooms | Trafford Community Hubs (traffordhubs.org)
Housing associations in the borough are working hard to provide additional support to their residents, with a range of support funds and community grants as well as building new affordable homes.
The Council is also working with the largest housing associations to co-ordinate advice and information services, to grow its community network and improve the energy efficiency of homes.
Council leaders want to make sure people are given as much help as possible to get through the next few months as the weather gets colder and bills soar. A week of events has also been organised to offer some top tips on how people can save cash and this starts on Monday, 17 October.
Councillors have also signed off additional funding for Trafford Citizens Advice Service which is helping thousands of residents across the borough. People can call its advice line on freephone number 0808 278 7803.
A winter wellbeing pack is also being put together by the Council and its partners to be delivered to the homes of more than 3,000 people targeting those whose have been in hospital during the last 12 months and need some extra support.
Cllr Jo Harding, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Strategic Partnerships said: “This cost of living crisis is proving to be a nightmare for so many residents and businesses who are struggling to pay their bills. Our approach is based on working together closely with our wonderful partners who are already doing so much excellent work in our communities.
“These measures are just the start and we will continue to look at different ways of helping residents and businesses get through the winter
Cllr Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council said: “While we can’t pay people’s bills, we are encouraging low income households to make an application for support with food, fuel and water bills through the Household Support Fund. We are continuing to do everything we can to offer help and advice and make sure residents get the support that is available.”
Trafford Council has made supporting people out of poverty a major corporate priority along with reducing health inequalities and addressing our climate crisis.
Posted on Wednesday 12th October 2022