New cost-of-living support guide released for Belfast residents
The free support guide is online and available in buildings across the city
A new cost-of-living support guide has become available across Belfast.
The free guide is dedicated to support people in the city grappling withhigh and rising living costs, and is available physically across Belfast and online at the council's website.
The third edition of thecost-of-living support guidesignposts to the wide range ofcommunity-based support services in Belfast, and includes information on benefits advice and grants available to people who need additional support.
READ MORE:New draft byelaws for Belfast City Centre will forbid buskers and preachers going above 70 decibels
READ MORE:Council lobbying to tear down peace wall in North Belfast park
The guide lists contact details for organisations providing free advice to people dealing with high energy, food and other costs. It also points to services that can support people with their mental health and wellbeing, as well as specialist help that is available to families and older people.
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly, who helped launch the guide this week, said: “We are very aware as winter approaches that a lot of people in the city are finding it difficult to cover basic living costs due to the high cost-of-living. And with the extra financial pressures thatChristmas brings, we know that poverty and hardship can have a massive impact on people’s emotional health and wellbeing.
“Our cost-of-living support guide aims to support the most vulnerable by making sure they know about all the help and support that is available to them. Within the guide there are also some practical tips to help people reduce their energy, food and other bills.
“I'm very proud of the financial support thatBelfast City Council provides, alongside the Department for Communities, to many of the advice service organisations listed in the guide, where people can seek advice on managing their debts and find out about benefits that are potentially available to them. Alongside the 19 social supermarket projects that we currently fund, this is making a huge difference to people who need extra support.”
The free cost-of-living support guide is available to pick up at council buildings, community centres, leisure centres, libraries, chemists, foodbanks, social supermarkets and advice service providers across Belfast.
The information within the guide is also listed on the council’s websitehere
Join our Belfast Live breaking news service on WhatsApp
Click this link or scan the QR code to receive breaking news and top stories from Belfast Live. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepagehere andsign up to our daily newsletter