Cost of Living Support Newsletter

From Cheshire West and Chester Council ....

Cost of Living Support Newsletter

1st February 2024

LATEST NEWS ON THE GOVERNMENT'S HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND

The government's Household Support Fund is there to support households in the most need, especially with energy costs, food, water bills and other related essential items.

The current round of funding is open until 31 March 2024 and is available to a broad range of low-income households across the borough.

Read more about the household support fund here.

HELP WITH PAYING FOR YOUR CHILDCARE

In March 2023, the government announced it would be extending childcare support to include 30 hours a week of free childcare for eligible working parents of children aged nine months to three years, in England.

Families can now check their eligibility and sign up to receive a newsletter and updates through the Childcare Choices website.

Read more about the expansion of childcare support here.

EMPLOYMENT DIRECTIONS

Employment Directions is a service that provides all-round employment support to adults with a physical or mental health condition. Helping people to find, stay in, or return to work.

Individualised support is available for up to 12 months to help you to get a good-quality job and thrive in work.

Read more about Employment Directions here.

WORLD BOOK DAY FANCY DRESS SWAP

Do your bit to help save the environment, and perhaps some money too, by donating unwanted children's fancy dress at participating libraries.

The scheme runs from Thursday 1 February to Wednesday 6 March.

Read more about World Book Day Fancy Dress Swap here.

BREATHING SPACE – A GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE TO HELP PEOPLE TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR FINANCES

Being in debt can be a frightening situation for many people particularly if you are being pursued by creditors and penalties are mounting.

Breathing Space, also known as the Debt Respite Scheme, allows you to take time out, seek financial advice and take control of your finances.

Read more about Breathing Space here.

WELCOMING SPACES

Expect a warm welcome when visiting one of many Welcoming Spaces across the borough.

Welcoming Spaces are available to all residents of Cheshire West. They offer a safe and warm welcoming space where people can connect with others in their community and make new friends.

Read more about Welcoming Spaces here.

Ed: St Andrews Tarvin offers a welcoming space every Wednesday. See website here.

COMMUNITY STORIES – KIDSBANK CHESTER

KidsBank offers support to families with children aged between 0-12 years. Support can be accessed through self-referral or professional referral.

KidsBank's mission is to alleviate the impact of childhood poverty by providing practical help as quickly as possible.

Find out how KidsBank can help you here.

COMMUNITY STORIES – GROUNDWORK'S GREEN DOCTOR

Groundwork's Green Doctors help UK residents stay warm, stay well, and save money on household bills.

Green Doctors offer free, impartial advice to help people take control of their bills, save energy in the home and access other services and initiatives available. We work with public and private partners to ensure support reaches those who need it most in local communities.

Find out more about Green Doctor's services here.

Cheshire West and Chester Council does not guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of any information provided by third-party organisations.