The cost of living is rising more than most of us have ever known and it is going to affect all of us.

We will be posting helpful tips on our Facebook page to save money, keep homes warm and stay safe.  

You can also find a round-up of help available from the government and other central sources on the Homes Plus website here. This will be updated as new advice and information is available.  

“We are running a “Keep Well and Warm” campaign to help people at this difficult time,” said director of housing, Samantha Allcott. “We will be sharing useful information and providing a central source of cost-of-living news, advice and signposts to help.” 

The keep well and warm campaign includes pointers to initiatives like the NHS Healthy Start scheme, which provides support to eligible women who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or parents who have a child under the age of four. A Healthy Start card has money on it that you can use to buy milk and healthy food such as fruit and vegetables. 

There is a directory of foodbanks in Staffordshire and Shropshire, along with energy saving tips and pointers to other sources of help and support including Citizens Advice, local councils and the government’s ‘Help for Households’ campaign. 

There is also practical advice about how to beat the chills by carrying out some simple checks to make sure your home is safe and winter-ready. 

“We are also reminding people now more than ever, to talk to us,” urged Samantha Allcott.   

“Employment and money advice are part of our free and confidential Homes Plus services. If you are struggling with your bills and finding it hard to balance your budget, please get in touch.”