Knowsley Council has been working with partners to ensure local communities get the right support at the right time through the cost of living crisis.
A £9m package of support has been established to provide a range of essential support including access to food, heating, mental health support and debt management advice. The funding is made up of £3.415m from the Council’s own Knowsley Better Together Hardship Fund, along with £5.586m from the Government’s Household Support Fund.
As part of this support package, funding has been allocated to Adult Social Care who can identify where support is needed when visiting and engaging with vulnerable residents.
In just under 3 months (from 3 November 2022 until 26 January 2023), 20 people have received tailored support to their needs. This has included:-
- The provision of warm clothing – gloves, hats, scarfs, coats, jumpers, vests, shoes, socks
- Household items to save energy use – weighted blankets, electric blankets, warmer bedding, microwaves, slow cookers, draft excluders, replacing inefficient lightbulbs
- Essential household and toiletry items
- White goods – fridge freezer, cooker, washing machine, dryers
Cllr Del Arnall, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “We know that residents can access a range of support for things like food, heating and reduced broadband and phone tariffs.
“However, it was increasingly evident that our residents needed bespoke support aligned to their individual needs so part of our £9m support package has been earmarked to support those residents who access our Adult Social Care services and where specific needs are identified.
“I know from the feedback I have received that the support has been welcome and has been a lifeline, particularly during the cold snap when the borough experienced rapidly dropping temperatures, along with the snow and icy conditions.
“We will continue to do all that we can to ensure our residents are supported through the cost of living crisis.”
There’s a broad range of help and support available to residents through the cost of living crisis. Visit Knowsley News to find out more or call the Cost of Living helpline number on 0151 443 3300 (Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm).