Helping Hand provides cost of living support

Cost of living support: Council leader, Councillor Neil Emmott, Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities, and Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children's services and education, at the launch of the Helping Hand initiative at Middleton Arena.

A range of measures to help residents in the borough offset cost of living pressures has been launched by the council.

The ‘Helping Hand’ initiative includes support for households most in need and will encourage people to check what they are entitled to.

The council will be working with local partners, including the voluntary sector, community groups and charities to deliver targeted cost of living assistance.

Local support available as part of Helping Hand includes:-

• Advice on accessing benefits, pension top ups and other support
• Health and wellbeing advice
• Supermarket vouchers
• Signposting to discounted food schemes
• Housing energy support
• Council tax rebates, to help with energy costs
• Targeted assistance for older people and families

Helping Hand will be promoted on the council’s website, across its social media channels and through posters, leaflets, booklets and outdoor advertising across the borough.

In addition, the council has confirmed it will be creating warm welcoming spaces this winter, for residents to utilise  local community buildings, libraries and leisure centres.

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I am proud of our local support package, ensuring those residents most in need know that a helping hand is in place to offset national cost of living pressures.

“Helping Hand will ensure local residents, businesses and community groups are fully aware of our targeted assistance, building on the support we have provided over the last twelve months.  It shows our partnership working at its very best, bringing together the council, voluntary sector, NHS, charities and community groups to provide families and older and vulnerable residents with a helping hand.

“We will be getting the message out to all parts of the borough, reassuring residents that a range of local support packages are available, giving people a helping hand to put food on the table, offset the cost of energy bills, and stay warm and healthy over the coming months.”

Further information on cost of living support available in the borough can be accessed at www.rochdale.gov.uk/costofliving

Residents can also phone 01706 923685, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm to enquire about cost of living assistance.