Don't suffer in silence - get cost of living help

The cost of living crisis continues to close in on families in Wokingham Borough leaving them struggling to get by – data from a new survey says.

Despite slashing energy use, switching supermarket brands and cutting back on fun activities, more than 95 per cent of respondents to the survey continue to worry about the crisis with the majority highly concerned.

Many are relying on borrowing from friends and family, falling into debt on credit or store cards and taking out overdrafts or loans to stay afloat.

Higher inflation and spiralling costs caused by it are pushing more families into hardship and poverty.

Stories of the cost of living crisis

The Hardship Alliance’s recent survey saw residents describe increasing challenges in their daily lives, including:

• “Worrying about money more than we did sometimes causes me sleepless nights”
• “We are living pay check to pay check. We've cut back everywhere we think we can. We worry as we are professionals with a reasonable income and yet struggling”
• “I’ve fallen into debt with my energy supplier, I only go shopping for food for my children, I try to eat a little as possible so they are taken care of”
• “Wages aren't increasing and all the bills are so, so much. I'm worried about becoming homeless”
• “Financially we are okay but are having to support family members who cannot afford to eat or pay their bills so therefore it is having an impact on us”
• “Turned the heating completely off. No social life at all. No clothes of haircuts since last May”
• “Life has no enjoyment and there is fear for the future and the possibility of being forced to sell my home”
• “Spoiling my retirement. Can't afford activities or fun after bills paid”
• “We are cold in our home, cannot afford to do activities that we liked, we have sold our cycles to pay for food, we seem to work hard for not much anymore
• “I’m scared watching my smart meter every time I do a load of washing or cook dinner”

Support for you

The alliance is urging residents who are struggling to come forward, as more than half say they have not looked for any further help despite almost everyone struggling.

Amy Garstang, chair of the alliance and manager at Wokingham United Charities, said: “The impact of the cost of living crisis is heartbreaking and continues to leave many unable to pay for the essentials.

“Support is available, but many are choosing to struggle in silence rather than come forward for help – don’t. The Household Support Fund and One Front Door are open for anyone who is struggling.”

Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, executive member for equalities, inclusion and fighting poverty, said: “We may be into the warmer months now but the impacts of inflation and cost of living crisis on our communities is still huge.

“Many are seeing mortgages or rents go up more quickly than wages, leaving them with less despite savvy shopping and giving up hobbies or social activities.

“Grants are available to help with essentials and partners across the community and voluntary sector can help. Reach out today if the struggle is becoming too much.”

Get financial help today

Despite the challenges, the majority of residents surveyed said they have not reached out for help.

Anyone who is struggling can get support. You do not need to be in receipt of benefits. 

The Household Support Fund can help residents if they’re struggling with:

• Food
• Energy
• Bills
• Other essentials

The fund will see more than £1million allocated to help Wokingham Borough residents in 2023/24, it comes directly from the Government to help residents struggling with these issues.

How to apply

Some of Wokingham Borough Council’s Hardship Alliance partners can provide £100 per household with a food, fuel or cash voucher. 

To apply:

• Call Citizens Advice Wokingham One Front Door on 0808 278 7958
• Apply on Citizens Advice Wokingham website
• Call Age UK Berkshire on (0118) 959 4242
• Email Age UK Berkshire

First Days Children's Charity is providing support for families where children receive means-tested free school meals. 

This is £15 per week, per eligible child, during the school holidays. If you received this support from First Days since October 2022, you do not need to apply again. 

Anyone who needs other help or support can contact the Citizens Advice Wokingham One Front Door.

This includes support for welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment law amongst other areas or helping you to access services.

Residents can use the online referral form or call 0808 278 7958, Monday to Friday. 

About the Hardship Alliance

The Hardship Alliance was formed in 2022 to tackle poverty in the borough.

It includes Age UK Berkshire, Citizens Advice, First Days, Wokingham United Charities and the council.