Talk Community and partners' roadshow will visit towns and villages throughout the county to help people who are struggling to make ends meet during the cost of living crisis.
Kicking off in Ledbury on Saturday 11 March, each event will provide different types of support, such as money and debt advice.
Tying in with Food Waste Action Week, which runs Monday 6 – Friday 10 March, the Ledbury event will also offer food tips and advice, including how to waste less and buy cheaper, alternative ingredients.
Herefordshire’s cost of living roadshow follows a recent newspaper report stating a quarter of households regularly run out of money for essentials. It goes on to say that nearly 40 per cent of people end the month with no money left, while 24 per cent run out of cash for essentials either most months or most days.
Food soars
Essentials like food have seen some of the biggest rises. Last month, leading data, insights and consulting company Kantar reported that grocery price inflation went above 17 per cent for the first time.
Organisations attending the roadshow event at Ledbury Rugby Football Club (9am-12pm, Saturday 11 March) include: Age UK, Christians Against Poverty (CAP), Ledbury Food Bank, Ledbury LEAF, Ledbury Rugby Football Club, Ledbury Town Council, Ledbury Methodist Church, Place of Welcome, Severn Wye Energy, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Sustainable Ledbury, West Mercia Women’s Aid, as well as our own Talk Community team.
The roadshow then continues on to:
- Hereford Saxon Hall, 10am-3pm, Tuesday 14 March
- Hereford, The Matrix, 10am-2pm, Wednesday 22 March
- Leominster Corn Square, 10-1pm, Friday 24 March
- Bromyard Halo Centre, 10am-1pm, Sunday 2 April
- Kington community market, 9.30am-12pm, Friday 21 April
- Colwall library, 10am-12pm, Saturday 13 May
Councillor Pauline Crockett, cabinet member for health and adult wellbeing, says:
“It’s a real shame it’s come to this - a cost of living roadshow in 2023. It’s a result of soaring prices that mean many families have to make really painful choices just to manage. Food or fuel, heat or eat… whatever phrase you use it glosses over the fact that some of our residents are cold and hungry. The roadshow events will bring people together with a warm welcome to guide them on what’s available to them. They’ll find out what they can do to manage a little better and we’ll help ensure people are claiming whatever benefits they’re entitled to. The team has worked really hard on this and I feel sure the events will bring some comfort to people who really need it.”
Visit Talk Community’s ‘money on your mind’ webpage for more help with your finances.