Face-to-face support for residents to access cost-of-living support at Shropshire Local

Residents across the county are being reminded that Shropshire Local and Shropshire Local Mobile are here to offer in-person, face-to-face support, advice and practical help with the rising cost of living.

Through the services, residents can find out about – and apply for – the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which is available to help people on low incomes who are struggling with essential living costs or facing a sudden financial shock. Support available through the fund includes crisis payments, housing support and heating oil support for eligible households, as well as access to wider advice and assistance. The fund is available even if someone does not receive benefits.

Team Leader Veena Grundmanis and Customer Service Advisor Sally Kamara at Shropshire Local at The Guildhall, Shrewsbury: “We’ll take as long as needed to help customers.”

Shropshire Council offers a wide range of cost-of-living support for residents, including help with council tax, benefits, free school meals, Blue Badges, concessionary travel, energy costs and money worries.

Shropshire Local and Shropshire Local Mobile can help people understand what they may be entitled to and support residents to access the right services. Shropshire Local have mobile drop-ins all over our county making it easier to talk to an advisor face-to-face.

Councillor Sarah Marston, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Environment, said:

“We know many residents are continuing to feel the pressure of higher household costs, and for some people it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. Shropshire Local and Shropshire Local Mobile play an important role in making support easier to access, whether someone needs advice, help with an application, or information about the Crisis and Resilience Fund, including heating oil support. I would encourage anyone who is worried about money or struggling with essential costs to get in touch and find out what support may be available.”

Veena Grundmanis, Shropshire Local Team Leader, added:

“So many people don’t know what benefits and services they’re entitled to. We take the time to sit down with customers and talk through what’s bothering them. Very often, a customer will come in looking for help applying for a service or benefit, and we’re able to point them towards lots of other ways we can help. There’s never any rush – we make people feel welcome, get to understand their issues, and find ways to get them the support they need. We’ve got the expertise – and for me, it’s a case of just listening closely to people. So whether that means applying for the Crisis and Resilience Fund, other cost-of-living support, or just showing people how to make an application online, we’ll take as long as needed to help customers.”

People can find out more about cost-of-living help through Shropshire Council’s website, by contacting Shropshire Local, or by speaking to the Shropshire Local Mobile team when it visits their area.

Shropshire Local: The Guildhall in Shrewsbury, week days between 9.30am and 5pm: Shropshire Local – Shrewsbury | Shropshire Council

And at Ludlow Library, week days (except Thursday) between 9.30am and 5pm: Shropshire Local – Ludlow | Shropshire Council

Shropshire Local Mobile visits locations across the county, including Broseley, Oswestry, Whitchurch, Shifnal, Market Drayton, Albrighton, Highley and Bishop’s Castle. For dates and locations, visit: Shropshire Local Mobile | Shropshire Council