The cost of living crisis - where to go for support
The costs of fuel, food and energy, alongside existing disadvantage and vulnerability, continues to put many individuals at greater risk of hardship.
In the latest estimates, around 13% of households in England were classed as fuel poor.
As the cost of living continues to rise for many people, so does requests for assistance with bills. Food banks report that demand is still high. It remains a worrying time for many people.
So how can you or someone you support get the help they need?
Lots of organisations across North Yorkshire are there for people in the current crisis. Many have information available about where to go for help:
For people and household
UK Government's Help for Households campaign
Citizen's Advice - Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills
North Yorkshire Citizens Advice & Law Centre
North Yorkshire County Council - Cost of living support page
Download this information leaflet for financial and wellbeing support in Harrogate.
Warm and Well in North Yorkshire raise awareness of the impact of cold homes on health and wellbeing, offering practical solutions to reduce fuel poverty, and supports people and communities to stay warm and well in their homes.
The Yorkshire Energy Doctor offer independent advice and advocacy to households around energy bills, energy efficiency and ways to stay safe, warm and well.
End Fuel Poverty Coalition are a coalition of anti-poverty, environmental, health and housing campaigners, charities, local authorities, trade unions and consumer organisations and can signpost you to a number of helpful resources.
North Yorkshire Home Efficiency Fund - YES Energy Solutions is working with North Yorkshire County Council to provide residents in Hambleton, Ryedale and Scarborough borough with fully funded home improvements.
Community
Warm Welcome lists registered organisations that have opened or are opening up free, warm, welcoming spaces for those who struggling to heat their homes this winter across the UK.
Community First Yorkshire - An influential and regional organisation that works with Healthwatch North Yorkshire, as well as voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises and rural communities
Ryedale Community Connect - A network of warm spaces is expanding across Ryedale to provide a warm welcome to those who may be unable to heat their homes over the Winter period.
Harrogate & District Community Action - Supporting communities, charities and volunteers to make Harrogate district a great place to live and work.
Two Ridings Community Foundation have the the cost of living crisis fund. The initial focus was to offer groups funding of up to £2,000 to deal with issues in their communities.
Two thirds of therapists say cost of living concerns are causing a decline in people's mental health
