YorkTalk Money fortnight: Information and support to help residents save money

York residents can access a wealth of information and support that could save them £1000s as part of this summer’s York Talk Money fortnight (7-18 July).

Run by City of York Council and partners across the city, including Citizens Advice, Peasholme Charity, Age UK, York Energy Advice and OCAY, the regular event aims to help people who are struggling financially by sharing information and advice, and signposting to local help and support.

York Talk Money aims to help York residents:

• Get all the help they are entitled to
• Reduce their outgoings as much as possible
• Get advice if they need assistance

The support available includes a new weekly drop in with the non profit-making Community First Credit Union.

Residents can find out about the range of services, including back to school and Christmas savings accounts, affordable and fair loans and budgeting accounts. Pop along to Clements Hall, Nunthorpe Road, from 9.15-10.45am and Marjorie Waite Court, Clifton from 1-3pm every Tuesday throughout July to find out more.

National Energy Advice and Yorkshire Water will also be on hand at two welcoming and informative community events to support families and individuals with practical energy advice, resources, and free giveaways on Tuesday 8 July at The Gateway Centre, Front Street, from 10-12 noon and Marjorie Waite Court Community Café from 1-3pm.

And people can find out more about using the council’s benefits calculator to find out what benefits they or residents they’re working with might be eligible for at an online teams webinar on Wednesday, July 16 from 12.30 - 1.30pm. Visit https://YorkBetterOffCalculator.eventbrite.co.uk to book a place.

Cllr Katie Lomas, the council’s Executive Member with responsibility for Financial Inclusion, said: 

“We know that the cost of living crisis is affecting many of us, but there is a lot of help, advice and support available locally to help you make the most of your money.

“Getting the help you’re entitled to really can make a difference of £1000s. Following our Pension Credit Take Up campaign, over 231 pensioners are now claiming over £1.7m in Pension Credit, and passported support.

“I’d urge anyone who’s facing financial hardship or worried about money to find out what help is available to them via our or local advice and support services, including York Talk Money Fortnight.”

One York resident who received advice and support from Age UK York to claim Attendance Allowance, as part of the York Talk Money initiative, said: 

“A lot of pressure has now been taken off me. I was so cold this winter that I turned the heating on for the first time and felt an awful lot better. I don’t need to worry about turning the heating on anymore. Without your help I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today.”

General advice on how to get the help you’re entitled to, reduce your outgoings and get further support is available at Live Well York or our Benefits Calculator.