Cost of living: advice & support
Many of us are worried about bills and money over the coming winter. Here are some of the things we’re doing through our Stretford Community Hub to support people:
Citizens Advice drop-in sessions – run at the hall every Tuesday, in the morning (9.30am – 12.30pm) and afternoon (1pm – 3pm). Citizens Advice are the best people to talk to if you need advice on issues like housing or benefits claims. They can help you to check that you’re getting all of the money that you’re entitled to.
Trafford Assist is the council’s welfare support scheme. They can help residents with vouchers for food and fuel. Here at the hall, we can help you to apply to Trafford Assist. If you’re not eligible for support from Trafford Assist, we may be able to help you with emergency funding from the Household Support Fund.
School uniform shop – In partnership with Stretford Mall, we have set up a school uniform swap shop. You can donate good quality, clean uniforms, and help yourself to free uniforms. The shop is located in the centre of the mall, in ‘The Sq’ (old Love Coffee site). It’s open throughout the week when Stretford Mall is open (8am – 5pm most days).
Trafford Living Rooms – we are working closely with Trafford’s other Community Hubs to set up a network of community living rooms. These will be warm spaces offering hot drinks and refreshments, where you can sit and read the paper, bring your kids to do their homework, or access free Wi-Fi. Where possible, hot soup or a meal will also be available, as well as information and advice. We plan to get the network set up by 1st October. We’re also putting together a map of all of the places where you’ll be able to get a free brew and get out of the cold for free this winter.
Energy Works – Energy Works Green Doctors provide energy saving advice and home improvements. The team offer free energy advice phone calls to residents in Greater Manchester, with the possibility of arranging a home energy advice visit too. We can make a referral to Energy Works and also help you to access any other support you might be entitled to (for example, from your energy supplier).
Our Community Hub is open from 9.30am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (closed bank holidays). You can pop in to speak to Emma who runs the hub, give us a call on 0161 989 1689 or email hub@stretfordpublichall.org.uk.
Don’t let the news get you down – we’re here to help, just get in touch.