A host of local charities and voluntary agencies came together at Westfield Memorial Village in Lancaster last week (7/9/), to offer local people free advice and information on surviving the economic recession and staying warm this winter.
Over 70 local residents attended the Information Day, which was organised by local housing provider Guinness Northern Counties in partnership with Westfield Council.
Representatives were on hand from Age UK, Citizens Advice Bureau, Furniture Matters, Barclays Bank, The British Legion, NHS Health Trainers, North Lancashire Advocacy, Help Direct and Wiltshire Farms as well as Pensions Service and Guinness Northern Counties own services. The PCSO’s for the area also attended the event to provide information.
Carmel Preston, Housing Manager for Guinness Northern Counties, who helped to organise the day said: “Many people are very worried about benefit cuts and the general economic downturn at the moment, without necessarily knowing who to turn to for advice or support. The purpose of this day was to bring a range of advisors to the residents’ doorsteps and give them the opportunity to find out who can help them survive and thrive in these difficult times.”
A hog roast and refreshments were provided on the day and residents were also invited to make their own smoothies, using Pedal Power, a bike which powers a smoothy machine, provided by Furniture Matters, for the event.
Guinness Northern Counties were also promoting a new project at the information day called ‘Snug as a Bug’, that will help them to identify residents struggling to afford their fuel costs and offer help at the earliest possible stage.
Over 600 properties are owned and managed by Guinness Northern Counties in the Lancaster area.