On Monday 20 November third sector groups, as well as public sector partners from around the borough, joined Elmbridge Borough Council for a cost-of-living event at the Civic Centre in Esher.
With the aim of coming together to share ideas, best practice and learning on how to support Elmbridge residents with the increasing costs of living, this was the second such event hosted by Elmbridge Borough Council who were pleased to be joined by so many local partners.
Opening the event, the Leader of Elmbridge Borough Council, Councillor Bruce McDonald, welcomed the groups and reinforced the shared purpose and vision of the event for better outcomes for those struggling in the borough.
"We want to go forward together", he explained, "and while there is more to do, we should all be proud of the work already underway from funding meals for child carers through Cook4care, to supporting St Peter's Community and Youth Hub in Molesey to increase the capacity of their free breakfasts, creative groups and men's groups, to Walton Charity’s funding of school uniforms, as well as learning and enrichment activities through local schools.”
Through smaller facilitated sessions, all agreed the financial pressures on residents were not going away and in fact were becoming increasingly complex as winter approaches. Everyone appreciated the value of being able to stop, reflect and collaborate and expressed their interest on future sessions focussed on specific issues.
Councillor McDonald concluded:
“As part of the 2030 Vision, we want to grow in our role as community connector, convenor and enabler and events like this are vitally important to that Vision and to supporting our residents. The work continues to support the Elmbridge community together with our community partners.”
Funding and face-to-face support
- Elmbridge’s second round of cost-of-living funding has recently closed, with almost £500K being allocated this year to local groups supporting our residents through the increasing cost of living.
- We are also hosting another face-to-face cost of living support drop-in session at St Peter's Community and Youth Hub, Ray Road, West Molesey KT8 2LG between 9.30am-3.30pm on Thursday 7 December.
We can discuss any help you may need with council tax payments, benefits claim, discretionary housing payments, housing advice, and health and wellbeing advice. Also, on hand to provide support will be Citizens Advice, PA Housing, and the DWP.
For more information, please see Cost of living support.