Nearly 40 warm hubs have been set up in Wirral along with over 500 places providing food support and financial and debt advice for people struggling with the cost of living crisis in the borough.
These are some of the things Wirral Council is doing to help support people with the rising cost of living. More than £5.7m is going towards the schemes with the help of government financial support through housing funds and cost of living grants.
Working with the NHS and charities like Involve Northwest and community groups, the council’s Here to Help campaign aims to highlight “many organisations and services are available right now.”
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This includes “both council-funded and grass-roots warm spaces, emergency food support, help with energy bills and family-specific services.”
Wirral council leader Janette Williamson said: “Every one of us is affected by the rising cost of living so we really want to get the message out there that help is available from both the council and our many partners.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you live. If you need support with food, energy, staying warm, household goods or debt management, together, we can point you in the right direction. You are not alone.”
Involve Northwest will also be going out onto high streets and door to door to make sure people are aware of the support available.
Emergency payments
For people in crisis situations including those leaving care, hospital or prison, these contribute towards items such as food, furniture, washing machines and other “white goods”, bills and some medical expenses.
More information can be found here. There is also support through the North Birkenhead Development Trust (NBDT) and the Wirral St Vincent De Paul Society not eligible for the above with the NBDT not just for people in Birkenhead
Housing payments
These discretionary housing payments are on top of main Housing Benefit or Universal Credit if someone doesn’t have the money to pay for rent costs due to unexpected circumstances or financial hardship.
Information on who is eligible and how you can apply and submit evidence can be done here.
Fuel vouchers and support with energy debt
People with prepayment metres can request a fuel voucher through the council’s emergency support scheme, Citizens Advice Wirral, Involve Northwest or Energy Projects Plus.
People can apply for help through the charity Energy Projects Plus if people are unable to repair or replace broken heating.
Information on the emergency support scheme can be found here.
Warm hubs
There are currently 39 council-funded and community led warm spaces across Wirral including in more affluent places like Heswall, Hoylake, and West Kirby. These offer a range of services including advice for those struggling with energy bills as well as hot food and drinks.
This is being funded through some of the £1.2m of grants given to churches, charities, and community groups already providing support for people.
Information on what warm hubs are open as well as where and when can be found on the Wirral Infobank.
Food support
A number of zero-waste schemes have been set up taking food that would go to waste and giving it out for free. The council has also provided support for charities to make sure those most in need get food and essential items.
Schools have been given holiday hampers and set up food pantries and Wirral Foodbank provides support for people in emergency situations.
The New Brighton Coastal Community has also set up a fund for financial donations to support local schools to provide support for people in the area. They are also asking people to drop off toys at Wallasey Library which will be donated to nearby primary schools.
A list of every community food support hub and social supermarkets, which offer discounted food can be found on the Wirral Infobank.
Family support
Parents can check if they are entitled to free school meals or free children for kids under two years. There is also funding available for kindergartens and other early years providers to offer education for 3 and 4 year olds.
Debt advice
Groups like Ask Us Wirral, Involve Northwest, and the Wirral Infobank show where people can get support in this area. The government’s Benefits Checker, National Debtline, and Money Helper service provide support on a national level.
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