Help with rising costs for families expecting a baby, and households with young children
Following the gas and electricity prices rising by 10%, financial pressure and worries remain for many local families with young children.
To support these families, Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership and Bradford Council have partnered with Hope4U – an organisation that aims to eradicate poverty and improve financial sustainability.
Hope4U help eligible families tackle the immediate problems they are facing, but also to help with the underlying issues. This could include help with benefits or a free home energy survey and advice to lower bills. £50 supermarket vouchers are also being offered to households expecting a baby, or with children under one year old.
How are Hope4U helping families?
Working in partnership with Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership and Bradford Council, Hope4U has supported 3,935 families in the last 15 months and has helped these households access (by increasing benefits or a grant) and save (through energy efficiency) over £2.5 million in total.
A single mother locally recently used Hope4U and saved £435 and had a benefit uplift of £4,786. She was able to access the benefits she was entitled to, saved money on her energy bills, and received housing support to move house when she is ready. She said:
“The service was super helpful and supportive in helping access the financial help I was entitled to. They were also able to help me with baby items and helping me fill out the correct forms for me to move house which will be suitable for my family.”
I need some help - what do I do?
You can get in touch with Hope4U by emailing NGN@HOPE4U.CO.UK, calling 0330 320 2140, or visiting www.hope4u.co.uk/general-7 and fill out the online form.
How else can families seek support?
Families experiencing financial stress or worries can also go to one of the wellbeing hubs in Bradford District and Craven. They’re open Monday to Friday and provide welcome, safe and confidential spaces for people to access financial, mental health and physical health support.
- Thornbury Hub at the Thornbury Centre, Leeds Old Road, BD3 8JX. 01274 665 598
- Manningham Hub at Manningham Mills, Lilycroft Road, Bradford, BD9 5BD. 01274 594 173
- Tong Hub at the Sutton Centre, 51 Kyffin Place, Bradford BD4 8NB. 01274 668 881
If you’d like to find out more about cost-of-living support in, visit www.costoflivingbradford.co.uk.
Helping children and young people to have the best start to life is a top priority and financial security does have a huge effect on family life.
Hope4U is a non-judgmental service that will offer families with financial worries some much needed relief. Please remember you are not alone, do get in touch with Hope4U or one of their wellbeing hubs for help as soon as you can.
