Support to tackle cost of living crisis this winter unveiled in North Yorkshire

Households in North Yorkshire struggling with the cost of living are being directed to community and financial support during the winter months.

As more people struggle with affording everyday essentials and bills, North Yorkshire County Council has put together a coordinated response to the cost of living crisis across the county to highlight the support that is available to the public.

The council is also working with Community Support Organisations (CSOs), which have extensive knowledge on locally-run projects. The CSOs can direct people to local support, such as food banks or food share schemes, community venues offering warm spaces or support groups.

Alongside the established food banks and network of libraries offering a warm welcome for people over winter, there are many smaller schemes such as food pantries run by volunteers in their spare time, or when resources are available.

The CSOs will have the local knowledge to direct people to the nearest support in their communities. There are 23 CSOs across the county, which coordinate volunteer and community support in each area. The network was used “effectively” during the pandemic to direct resources on the ground to where they were needed most.

Libraries are also on hand to provide people with a warm and friendly welcome, where people can pick up a book, join an activity, or find out details of other events in their communities. The council is also urging people to look out for family, friends and neighbours over the colder months.

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for corporate services, Cllr David Chance, commented: “Libraries remain, and always have been, places where people will receive a warm welcome and can spend a few hours without having to spend any money.

“But we understand that not everyone will have the mobility, or money, to travel to projects or community events over winter, which is why we are asking everyone to think about looking out for their neighbours, friends and family as we head into the colder months.

“This could involve getting together for a cup of tea; making sure they have accessed any financial support which may be available to them, or just checking on their wellbeing.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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