Access help and advice at free cost-of-living events

Bridgend County Borough Council is teaming up with local organisations including BAVO, Awen, Valleys to Coast (V2C) and Job Centre Plus (JCP) to support residents tackle a range of issues relating to the cost-of-living crisis.

Over the coming weeks, a series of public events will be held around the county borough to give people an opportunity to speak face to face with support staff from different organisations. Advice and guidance will be offered on everyday difficulties including paying energy bills, claiming benefits, dealing with housing issues, tackling debt, and purchasing food.

Some events are drop-in sessions, so no appointment is necessary, whereas other events organised by Job Centre Plus will require advance booking by a JCP Work Coach – you will need to be an existing client to book on.

Date	Event	Details	Venue
7 Nov	Maesteg Job Centre Plus cost-of-living event	Please book place via Work Coach at Maesteg Job Centre	Maesteg Job Centre Plus, Commercial Street Maesteg CF34 9DF
7 Nov	Energy Wise Event BAVO	1pm - 4pm	Dyffryn Chapel, Bedw Street Caerau Maesteg CF34 0TF
14 Nov	Energy Wise Event BAVO	1pm - 4pm	Hope Baptist Church, Station Hill, Bridgend, CF31 1EA
22 Nov	Bridgend JCP cost-of-living event	Please book place via Work Coach at Bridgend Job Centre	Bridgend Job Centre Plus Market Street Bridgend, CF31 1LL
23 Nov	Porthcawl Job Centre Plus cost-of-living event	Please book a place via a Work Coach in Porthcawl Job Centre	Porthcawl Job Centre Plus 2-4 Dock Street Porthcawl, CF36 2BL
30 Nov	Communities for Work – Employability Bridgend cost-of-living event		Dyffryn Chapel, Bedw Street, Caerau Maesteg, CF34 OTF

It’s extremely encouraging to see local support organisations working together at this critical time to ensure help and advice is available to people who are struggling in the current climate.

These organisations offer a combined wealth of knowledge and expertise, with the ability to signpost people to the right advice for the specific issues they are facing.

Accessing the right help at the right time can make a real difference to people in these situations. I would encourage anyone with any cost-of-living concerns to go along and get some expert advice.

Councillor Rhys Goode, Cabinet Member for Future Generations and Wellbeing

If you have any queries, please contact, Maxine Barrett email: maxine.barrett@bridgend.gov.uk or call 01656 815317.