The support hub will provide advice and practical support for local people in financial hardship, making it easier for residents to get the help they need.

The new West Berkshire Cost of Living Hub, which is being created to support those facing financial hardship this winter, will be open to residents from next Monday (24^th October).

Local people can find advice and support around cost of living issues with a wealth of information available on our hub website. Staff will also be able to provide advice and match residents’ needs with the support available both nationally and locally, including from local charities and voluntary organisations.

The initiative has been set up by West Berkshire Council in partnership with Greenham Trust and the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire, and will work closely with the local community and voluntary sector.

Ahead of the launch work has been done with partners to map food providers and other voluntary sector support for residents affected by the cost of living, to ensure a comprehensive range of support is available to refer residents to as required.

The hub will be open from Monday-Thursday 8.30-5.00pm and Friday 8.30am-4.30pm.

More information about the hub and an online contact form can be found on our website https://www.westberks.gov.uk/cost-of-living. Enquiries can be submitted at any time via the online form and will be processed during opening hours.

We recommend people make initial contact using the online form so that we can best process and give the right advice to respond to their query, however if necessary people can also call the team on: 01635 503333 or email: costofliving@westberks.gov.uk

Speaking about the new Cost of Living Support Hub, Leader of West Berkshire Council, Councillor Lynne Doherty, said:

“It’s a difficult time for many residents, including some who will need help for the first time and not know where to turn. We’re here to help - providing advice and support, and putting those who need assistance with those in a position to give it. Working with our partners and the local community and voluntary sector, this hub will provide a valuable community resource this winter.”

Chris Boulton, CEO of Greenham Trust said:

"This winter is going to be particularly hard for many people. Working closely and collaboratively with the council and voluntary sector, the hub will mean we can support local people across the whole community who need it the most as quickly as possible. In times of crisis, we need to act fast. This hub will do that."

Volunteer Centre West Berkshire Director Garry Poulson said:

"We know that the voluntary and community sector will be pulling their considerable weight and assisting people and their families at a time of great stress and strain. This hub will seek to ensure that no one falls through the cracks and gets the help they need, be it emotional, practical or financial help via the dozens of organisations in West Berkshire that have an empathy with the plight of people in these tough times"

The Cost of Living Support Hub will be the latest in a range of support for residents impacted by the rising cost of living. This includes:

• A Household Support Fund
• A £100,000 Emergency Cost of Living Crisis Fund - support frontline charities to help residents
• A new online resource is now available to help residents worried about paying bills find out about help available locally.