There is some real, practical help on offer in the Sid Valley in these difficult times:
Local help with the cost of living crisis – Vision Group for Sidmouth
But the need keeps growing.
Di Fuller of Sid Valley Help brought together groups to see how they can take things further forward – and reported in this week’s Herald:
Sid Valley organisations unite to tackle the cost of living crisis
We are all affected in some way by the cost of living crisis, and there is a wider impact in Sidmouth than you might think.
On 20 March, Sid Valley Help held a network meeting for other health and care organisations in the Sid Valley to share how this crisis has affected our organisations and those we support. We also wanted to find new ways of working together to reduce risks.
Citizens Advice outlined the challenges facing clients attending the Tuesday hub at Manstone Youth Centre. There is good support from the Food Bank and EDDC resilience team. Problems are becoming more complex and housing is more difficult due to the shortage of rental properties in Sidmouth and their poor state. It is important that everyone who is eligible receives the benefits that they are entitled to. This was echoed by Gateway that supports the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless. Clients are already on the margins of managing and the slightest thing can tip them over the edge into debt. Tenants often move into accommodation with few items of furniture. EDDC have agreed help by PAT testing electrical goods from previous tenants so they are reused. There is a need for a team of people that can move furniture and do small tasks to help ready accommodation.
The Family Liaison officer at Sidmouth Primary School described a progressively difficult situation to do with food poverty. About 22 per cent of children at Sidmouth Primary receive free school meals, which is similar to the national average. Some children attend school without breakfast and this has a huge impact on their learning as they are unable to concentrate if they are hungry. The benefit of breakfast clubs is well documented but they are not available everywhere.
Children also suffer from the stigma of food poverty. The food bank is trying to provide more fresh food, but this is draining funding reserves as it must be bought, not donated. More families are being supported each week and there is possibly a need to help with preparing and cooking food. If a family is in food poverty or have recently been in financial crisis, they may not be able to afford to use a cooker or might not even have one. There was very animated discussion and a lot of positive ideas about how charities can work better together to support households that are struggling with debt and food poverty. More about that another time.
Sid Valley organisations unite to tackle the cost of living crisis | Sidmouth Herald
With more from the individual groups covered here:
Showcasing sustainable projects: Sid Valley Help – Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards
Showcasing sustainable projects: Sidmouth Food Bank – Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards
Showcasing sustainable schools: Sidmouth Primary – Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards
And:
Help and info from Sidmouth Hospice at Home – Vision Group for Sidmouth
Citizens Advice East Devon – @ Sidmouth – Vision Group for Sidmouth
Gateway Homelessness Action Group receives generous donations – Vision Group for Sidmouth
Local help with the cost of living crisis – Vision Group for Sidmouth
…