The cost of living crisis is impacting the whole nation, with County Durham being in the five most impacted areas in the UK, according to a study by charity ‘Friends of the Earth’, with the locality also being labelled as an ‘energy crisis hotspot’. This is impacting many lives in County Durham, but support is available.
Throughout the pandemic, many people have struggled financially, and may not have recovered to where they were pre-COVID. With the added stress of the energy price cap increasing to £3,549 per year, people need support more than ever.
What services can support me with my financial wellbeing?
The County Durham COVID-19 Resilience Service is a community-based service that promotes emotional resilience to individuals and families, living or working in County Durham who have been emotionally impacted by COVID-19.
The service works with a number of organisations to provide the best support possible to County Durham residents. The routes the service use for supporting clients is providing food parcels and energy vouchers, along with debt and benefit advice referrals to East Durham Trust.
Other organisations such as the Welfare Assistance Scheme at Durham County Council can support the most vulnerable with immediate needs, including food parcels, emergency payment vouchers for heating and lighting, travel expenses and clothing.
Home group work with people to give advice and support on saving money, benefit support and wellbeing advice to help you save money on your energy this winter.
If you are worrying about the cost of living crisis following on from the financial impacts that the pandemic had on you, do not hesitate to contact the County Durham COVID-19 Resilience Team - they can support you.
You can refer yourself or a client for support from the service, simply get in touch via PCP reception on 01325 321234, email covidresilience@pcp.uk.net, or visit our referral page.
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