York residents are being urged to find out whether they could be eligible for extra income as part of next week's York Talk Money fortnight.
Run by City of York Council and partners across the city, including Citizens Advice, Peasholme Charity, Age UK, York Energy Advice and OCAY, the regular event aims to help people who are struggling financially by sharing information and advice, and signposting to local help and support.
York Talk Money aims to help York residents:
- Get all the help they are entitled to
- Reduce their outgoings as much as possible
- Get advice if they need assistance.
In the last six months alone, City of York Council’s benefits advisors have helped almost 200 residents get an average of £3,369 extra per year through benefits and grants.
Cllr Katie Lomas, the council’s Executive Member with responsibility for Financial Inclusion, explained:
We know that hundreds if not thousands of people in York are not getting the money they’re entitled to.
“Working out what grants and benefits you’re eligible for can seem daunting, but we – and partners across the city – are here to help and with increasing financial pressures, every bit really can make a difference to your weekly budget.
“I’d urge anyone who’s worried about their finances, or who thinks they may be eligible for funding they’re not claiming, to pop along to one of our drop in sessions during York Talk Money Fortnight or check out more information online.”
Residents can pop along to York Talk Money Campaign events with practical advice, resources, and free giveaways over the next couple of weeks at:
- Monks Cross Shopping Park, Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York YO32 9GX on Wednesday 4 February 1.30pm - 4.30pm
- Morrisons Supermarket, Foss Islands Road, York YO31 7UR on Wednesday 11 February 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Or call in to regular advice drop-ins around the city, listed on www.york.gov.uk/talkmoney.
General advice on how to get the help residents are entitled to, reduce their outgoings and get further support is available online at Live Well York or Benefits Calculator.
Or residents can ask at their local community centre, pick up a Worrying About Money? leaflet at Explore Libraires or call CYC customer services on 01904 551556 for local services and contact details.