A leaflet which signposts residents to the help and support available to them from leading agencies and organisations has been launched as part of Bromsgrove District Council’s campaign to combat the cost of living crisis.

Recognising that not everybody uses digital technology the leaflet has been produced for those who want to speak to somebody on the telephone and partners across Bromsgrove have come together to pool their information.

The leaflet will be distributed by partners to their customers, groups and organisations to ensure everybody has access to the information. A key message in the leaflet is ‘Let’s Work Together’ and residents are being urged to pass the leaflet, or any information around available support, to friends, family and neighbours.

Council Leader Karen May said: “Rising interest rates and utility bills will affect everybody and we want all of our residents to know that there is support available for everyone – whether or not they usually claim benefits.

“We all need to work together to support our communities and I am delighted that we are leading the way with a partnership approach.”

Agencies in the leaflet include BARN, bdht, Act On Energy, Age UK, libraries, and Citizen’s Advice with the Council highlighting its own support available from Pension Credits to Council Tax support and Here2Help also featuring.

The leaflet is however just a first step and will be complimented by press releases, social media, website information, podcasts giving advice and myth-busting information from trusted sources. Partners will continue to work together to try to do what they can to support our communities at this difficult time.

Chair of the Bromsgrove Partnership and bdht Chief Executive Graeme Anderson added: “There is already a lot of information out there around the cost of living but we want to reassure residents that if it comes from ourselves and our expert partners then it is legitimate and will benefit them.

“It really is overwhelming if you haven’t needed help and support before so we hope this leaflet will be useful for contacting agencies who will signpost them to the right place to meet their needs.”

A copy of the leaflet and more information about the cost of living and available support is available at Bromsgrove.gov.uk/costofliving

Copies can be picked up from Parkside, in Market Street.

If you are a group or organisation who would like copies to distribute to members please contact partnership@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk