As the cost of living continues to impact so many households, this week-long programme of free events will give useful advice on a range of money matters to people in Leeds.
Organised by Leeds City Council with the Money and Pensions Service and other partners there is a series of free online webinars wth help and tips on subjects including keeping energy costs down, money and mental health, budgetting advice and handling financial difficulties.
Details of the programme and how to book can be found here
A great team effort meant that our Summer Newsletter was packed into envelopes and either hand delivered to many members and supporters or in the post to others within a couple of hours of being printed this afternoon.
It was standing room only for a while at our Celebration Afternoon Tea this week!
Members enjoyed afternoon tea and we were entertained with live music thanks to students from Leeds University (LUUMIC)
As always, this was a communal effort, involving members and volunteers as well as our staff. Making decorations and setting up the space, contributing home made scones, cakes and coronation trifle, preparing food on the day as well as serving and keeping on top of the mountain of washing up, donating prizes and lots of other things to be used on the day, and turning up to support us. Everyone had a part to play.
We had several skill share sessions leading up to the event and this produced decorations for our window and tables.
As we enter the new year, we know that the increase in cost of living continues to touch many people, and some may only be starting to feel the impact.
We will continue to do all we can to support anyone affected. As well as our regular email updates, please remember you can visit our Cost of Living website for support and advice on housing, food, fuel and health, as well as details of events taking place across Leeds to support local residents.
Leeds City Council
Energy discount vouchers for pre-payment meters
If you use energy pre-payment meters, you should be receiving energy bill discount vouchers from the first week of the month, through either text, email or the post (using your registered contact details).
You will need to redeem these at your usual top-up point, such as your nearest PayPoint or Post Office branch.
Warm Spaces across Leeds offer a welcoming and safe warm place for anyone to use for free, particularly if you’re struggling with the cost of heating your home during cold weather. Opening hours have now returned to normal after the festive period.
A reminder that community hubs and libraries offer warm spaces and a warm welcome. You can also access additional services including help with job applications, claiming benefits you could be eligible for and money saving tips and budgeting. You can find your local community hub here.
A leading doctor in West Yorkshire is calling on people who haven’t yet had their flu and COVID vaccinations to come forward as soon as possible. You can read more here
Help with childcare costs
Over a million families in the UK are entitled to support with the cost of childcare from the government. Find out whether you’re eligible for tax-free childcare or 30 hours per week of free childcare at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Could you be a foster carer?
If you’re considering fostering, joining Foster4Leeds means you can help the council keep Leeds children in their local area, and you’ll receive a huge amount of support from our amazing fostering service and other local foster families.
For more information visit www.leeds.gov.uk/foster4leeds or to speak to a member of the Foster4Leeds team, call 0113 378 3538.
Free and low cost activities in Leeds
With the cost of living going up, many people are searching for fun things to do that won’t break the bank. For some inspiration, take a look here: Free and low-cost activities for people in Leeds
Leeds 2023 is a year-long celebration of culture. It kicked off earlier this month with The Awakening at Headingley Stadium, featuring music, poetry, dance, comedy and more. You can find out more about Leeds 2023 here.
And finally… Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield are made freemen of Leeds
This week Leeds added a new chapter to a remarkable story of courage and comradeship as the city awarded its highest civic honour to Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield.
Rugby league legends Rob and Kevin have both been given the freedom of Leeds in recognition of their heroic campaigning and fundraising for all those affected by motor neurone disease (MND).
Our first soup and a roll get-together was very well attended last week and everyone enjoyed the homemade carrot and coriander soup.
There’s another one today and every Wednesday until the end of March. At the Caring Together premises, 127 Woodhouse Street. Drop in any time between 11am and 2pm (soup usually served from around 12 noon) – or come and join us for the full 3 hours if you wish.
Warm soup, warm building and a warm welcome for all!
We won’t tell you what today’s soup is, you will have to come along to find out, but we are sure it will be delicious.
