New Cost-of-Living Support Guide Available for North Belfast Residents

As winter approaches, a crucial new resource has been launched to support people across Belfast, including our own North Belfast community, who are facing high and rising living costs. Belfast's Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly, recently unveiled the third edition of the cost-of-living support guide, a dedicated resource designed to signpost residents to a wide array of helpful services.

This essential guide connects you with community-based support services available right here in Belfast. It provides up-to-date information on benefits advice and grants that can offer crucial additional support. Whether you're struggling with high energy, food, or other household bills, the guide lists contact details for organisations providing free, expert advice.

Beyond financial assistance, the guide also signposts services dedicated to supporting mental health and wellbeing, acknowledging the emotional toll that financial pressures can bring. It includes specialist help tailored for families and older people, ensuring that support is accessible to everyone in our community.

Councillor Kelly highlighted the importance of this guide, stating that many people are finding it difficult to cover basic living costs. She also recognised the additional financial pressures that the Christmas period can bring, and the significant impact poverty can have on emotional health. "Our cost-of-living support guide aims to support the most vulnerable by making sure they know about all the help and support that is available to them," she noted. The guide also offers practical tips to help residents reduce their energy, food, and other bills.

The Lord Mayor expressed pride in the financial support provided, alongside the Department for Communities, to many of the advice service organisations listed in the guide. These services offer vital help with debt management and information on potential benefits. Furthermore, the guide complements the nineteen social supermarket projects currently funded across the city, which are making a huge difference to those in need of extra support.

The free cost-of-living support guide is readily available for North Belfast residents to pick up at various local spots, including community centres, leisure centres, libraries, chemists, foodbanks, social supermarkets, and advice service providers. You can also find all the information within the guide online on the official city website.