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The ‘North Somerset: worrying about money?’ leaflet is a step-by-step guide to help people find out what their options are and how to get help.
The leaflet is designed to help people out of or prevent financial crisis. It provides information for people who are facing money worries so they can see what their options are, and which local agencies are best placed to help them.
The leaflet is available at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/worryingaboutmoneyleaflet and copies can be picked up in North Somerset libraries.
Cllr Ash Cartman, North Somerset Council's executive member with responsibility for finance, said: “We’re committed to working towards a fairer North Somerset. Sadly with inflation at a 40-year high, and food and energy prices increasing, more people face a cost of living crisis.
“Money worries can impact badly on both your mental and physical wellbeing. If you’re worried about finances, please reach out for help. There are many organisations across North Somerset who support households in time of crisis.
“Please take a look at this leaflet as a first step so you know what your options are and who can help you. It covers what to do if you suddenly have no money, your money doesn’t stretch far enough, you have debt, or are waiting for benefit payments.”
Maria Marshall. Project Manager for the Independent Food Aid Network, said: "We are delighted to have been able to work alongside North Somerset council and other local groups to co-produce the North Somerset 'Worrying about money?' leaflet. This resource is designed to help people facing financial difficulties, and any support workers, to identify local cash first options and advice and couldn't be needed more as the cost of living crisis worsens."
Phil Coysh, Area Manager for the Trussell Trust in Gloucestershire, Bristol and North Somerset, added: "The Trussell Trust is working towards a future where charitable food aid isn’t necessary because everyone has enough money to afford the essentials in life. An important part of this is ensuring that people are linked into advice at the earliest opportunity. When somebody is experiencing money worries it’s important that every avenue of support is clear and accessible so we are really pleased to be involved and working collaboratively to get the ‘Worrying About Money?’ leaflet off the ground in North Somerset.”
Free training sessions are also taking place for organisations in North Somerset who may have brief conversations with people about their money worries. The free online training will provide more information about the help and support available and how to use the leaflet to guide people to that support.
The sessions will take place online on:
- Wednesday 21 September at 2pm
- Thursday 22 September at 10am.
Participants only need to attend one session. Places can be booked via Eventbrite at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/moneycountstraining.
Organisations and venues that would like to stock paper copies of the leaflet can order them via the Independent Food Aid Network website at https://www.foodaidnetwork.org.uk/cash-first-leaflets.