Organisations come together to help people live well for less

With cost-of-living increases hitting record levels and more families finding themselves living in fuel poverty, a charity based in Aberdare is aiming to help people live well for less through a series of information roadshows. All events are free to attend for visitors as well as the organisations exhibiting.

Age Connects Morgannwg, an older person’s charity, say they have created the Living Well for Less roadshows as a direct response to the pressures caused by increases to energy prices, food, and petrol, as well as the continued impact of the pandemic. They approached other charities and other organisation and asked if they would be willing to join them, and exhibit at a roadshow style event. The response it appears has been an overwhelming yes.

More than 22 national and local organisations have already signed up to support the roadshows, these include Citizens Advice Bureau, Care & Repair, Nest, Warm Wales, Communities For Work Plus, Diabetes Wales, and HSBC. Together these organisations will provide the information people need to boost their financial, mental, and physical wellbeing.

Helen Davies is co-ordinating the roadshows and described the response from exhibitors.

“Everyone I have spoken to was delighted to offer their support, they are all facing questions about energy prices, interest rates and the prices of food, and were looking for ways to help people. Pooling resources with like-minded organisations to offer a wide range of holistic advice made sense to everyone. I’m absolutely delighted with the quality of exhibitors we’ve assembled.”

All the exhibitors will be offering on the day support and signposting, as well as providing plenty of information to take away. Attendees will also have access to private spaces, away from the main exhibition area, where they can get 1-2-1 advice. There are also several taster sessions planned where people can learn more about subjects like financial health, cyber security and boosting wellbeing.

Katie Cooke will be representing Warm Wales at the event.

“Engaging with local communities is an important part of our work, and events like this roadshow are a fantastic way of ensuring we reach as many people as we can.  With the current energy crisis and the challenges it is creating for many, it is great to be out in the community again, talking to people about the support we can offer to help them heat their homes more affordably.”

Signposted Cymru are also attending the Aberdare roadshow, CEO Darren Thomas explains, ” At Signposted Cymru peoples mental health and wellbeing is our priority, and with growing inflation and costs we need to support these individuals more than ever “.

The first Living Well For Less roadshow is visiting Cynon Linc in Aberdare on Thursday and Friday this week, before moving on to other venues in South Wales during April and May. All attendees will be able to pick up a free energy saving light bulb and a booklet of tips to help them cut their energy consumption. Find out more about the roadshows by visiting www.acmorgannwg.org.uk/living-well-for-less