Charity partnership announced to support those facing cost of living crisis in Dacorum

Funded by The Trussell Trust, the Financial Empowerment Programme aims to help those who access the Dacorum Foodbank, or may be at risk of needing the service, to manage their financial situation and provide practical support so they are less likely to need the Foodbank in the future.

The programme will provide free, on-the-ground support throughout Dacorum to people accessing the Foodbank and other services like community fridges.

Individuals will be offered a range of services including; tailored budgeting advice and support; ensuring they are receiving the correct benefits; and life skills and money management workshops, focusing on how to maintain a tenancy, manage bills, eat healthily for less and improve wellbeing.

More in-depth debt counselling will be available on a one-to-one basis for those with significant issues, to support them to manage their debt and, long term, become debt free.

Wendy Lewington, Chief Executive at DENS, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with our friends at Liberty Tea Rooms and Christians Against Poverty to provide this much needed service. We are all very aware of the impact the cost of living has had on our community.

“Our aim with this programme is to provide both immediate support for those in crisis, as well as working with individuals before they get to crisis point. We are very grateful to the Trussell Trust, whose funding means we can make this happen.”

Despite still being in its early stages, the Financial Empowerment Programme has already helped a number of local people to significantly improve their financial situation and wellbeing.

Owen Cooper, CEO at Liberty Tea Rooms and Community Hub, said: “The Financial Empowerment Programme has helped us to focus on those people living in our community who really need help and professional support. This partnership has ensured that we continue to have the resources to give people hope. Just recently, we have seen two families become totally debt free.”

If you, or someone you know, needs financial support, contact Karen Kelly by email or call 07415628701.