Ongoing help for local people to tackle cost of living crisis
People living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire who are struggling financially due to the cost-of-living crisis are being advised where they can go for help.
All three local authorities in BSW are working to provide as much help, support and information as they can this new year to help see people through this difficult time.
In Bath and North East Somerset, the Welfare Support Team is available during office hours except on bank holidays and weekends. The support available from the scheme includes access to local foodbanks, retail vouchers for essentials, help with debt and certain household bills and items such as white goods, essential clothing and furniture.
Further details of opening hours, eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found here https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/apply-welfare-support
Wiltshire Council has created an online interactive community directory to help people find out what warm spaces and community food providers there are in the county to support them through the cost of living challenges.
The directory has been created using information collected by the council to establish what support is already up and running in the county.
To find out the support that’s available on their doorstep and across the county, people just need to visit the Interactive Community Directory – find out where local warm spaces and community food providers are in the county and select their postcode area – this will then automatically generate a list of what’s available, as well as a host of other useful features.
In Swindon, the local authority is frequently updating a webpage which signposts to a list of things that residents can check to see if they’re entitled to any additional cost of living support.
This includes measures such as Pension Credit, help with childcare costs and help with energy costs. People can also get tailored energy advice from Warm and Safe Wiltshire, or if someone needs help in applying for benefits, contact Citizens Advice Swindon
A new fund is also available for residents in Swindon who need immediate or short-term financial help with the cost of living.
Find out how to apply on Swindon Borough Council’s website: Help if you’re struggling with living costs
More information on help with the cost of living