Minister for Social Justice speaks to Cardiff residents tackling the cost-of-living crisis

Jane Hutt MS attended a wellbeing event at affordable housing and support provider, Taff Housing in Canton this week to learn more about how people across the city are managing their finances amidst the cost-of-living crisis.

Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt said: “This year is a particularly challenging one and we are all feeling the pinch. We are providing targeted help to put money in the pockets of people who need help the most, supporting them through programmes and schemes during the cost-of-living crisis.

“We need to keep listening to people’s experiences and trying to respond as much as we can. Wellbeing events like the ones being held by Taff Housing provide the ideal opportunity for people to seek the help they need in an informal, welcoming environment.”

Taff Housing, which owns and manages over 1,500 homes across Cardiff, started its winter wellbeing workshops back in October and currently hosts them on a fortnightly basis at its Canton based head office.

During the fortnightly event, tenants are provided with hot food, a warm space, and a chance to meet, socialise and seek advice on any issues they might be facing. Experts from a range of different organisations have attended the workshops to provide information on reusing, recycling and repairing, reducing waste, budgeting, food banks, managing debt and health and wellbeing.

This month’s event involved a festive meal, followed by gifts, a raffle sponsored by LCB and an interactive eco Christmas craft workshop. Everyone also received a warm winter pack and fresh fruit bag to take home. The events have only been made possible with support from Cardiff Third Sector Council (C3SC) and Cardiff Council.

Clare Dickinson, Community Inclusion Manager at Taff Housing said: “We started running the Winter Wellbeing Club to offer people the chance to socialise in a warm and friendly environment and share their concerns or problems with like-minded people. It helps people realise that they are not alone in facing problems like debt, budgeting, stress or depression.”

Taff Housing resident, Gareth Morgan, attends the session every fortnight. Gareth said: “This time of year can be very lonely, but these sorts of events provide a real sense of community. Plus, they are a great opportunity to see friendly faces, socialise, get involved in some arts and craft activities and have some fun. Everyone at Taff is so friendly and welcoming, plus the food is always delicious. I look forward to attending more events like these next year.”

Taff Housing helps tenants tackle a variety of challenges from unemployment and financial advice to domestic violence and mental health issues. It has an in-house Money Advice Service, Specialist tenancy support programme for bereavement and floating tenancy support services for those facing adjustment following release from prison as well as refugee and asylum seekers support programmes.

For more information visit www.taffhousing.co.uk/support