A multi-partner Cost of Living campaign has launched in Wirral providing a one-stop guide to support for residents.
Led by Wirral Council, the campaign brings together the charities, grass-roots organisations, NHS teams and community groups that are working to help local people who are struggling with everyday costs.
The ‘Here to Help’ campaign is designed to make information as easy as possible to find, with colour coded icons linking to key themes including living costs, families, housing costs, energy, utilities and heating, food, employment and training, business and keeping safe and well.
While the campaign and support offering continue to develop, there are many organisations and services are available right now, for Wirral residents. These include a growing number of both council-funded and grass-roots warm spaces, emergency food support, help with energy bills and family-specific services, such as help with meals for children over the holiday season.
Wirral Council’s Leader, Cllr 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.”
While further details will be released over the coming weeks, the campaign will include a one-stop-shop web resource and printed and digital toolkits. Volunteer and community support such as Involve NorthWest’s Community Connectors will be out providing face to face advice, supported by Wirral Council’s Community Champions programme, which was developed during the pandemic and continues to get important messages to local people.
Matt Amis who manages the Community Connectors group through Involve Northwest said: “While many people in the borough will be comfortable using technology to access support, it’s important we also get the message out, in person, to those who are vulnerable, older or just digitally excluded.
“We will be supporting this campaign by visiting warm spaces, going door to door, and having a presence in local high streets to make sure the right information gets to the right people. If anyone is feeling isolated they can contact us on 0151-644-4516.”
If you need help now, you can access a range of support through
www.wirral.gov.uk/costofliving and Wirral Infobank.