Inspiring change together
Many residents across the borough are struggling to afford everything they need to live well. This platform is a safe space for stories, advice and tips that will support and inspire others through the rising cost of living.
On Inspiring change together, you can read about what your community and the Council are doing to support everyone through the cost of living crisis. Your voice is important, so please consider sharing your advice, a service that’s helped you, or an inspiring story to give a helping hand to other people in your community.
What you can do on Inspiring change together:
- Share a story on the 'Your stories' tab
- See our recent news articles on food support, debt advice, mental health, and more in the 'Our stories' section
- Find food banks, Resident Assistance Points, Work Zones and more in your local area using our Map tool
- View useful links and resources to access support for the rising cost of living
- Read the questions and answers to learn more about available support
- Sign up to the Cost of Living Support e-newsletter to get practical advice and information straight to your inbox every month.
Your stories
This is a safe space for stories and blogs. We want to hear about what you’ve been doing to help people, a great affordable recipe you've tried, or the support you've received that could help others. These are the words of our residents and community organisations.
Before sharing your story, please read our guide on 'How to share a story.'
Please remember this is a public space, so you shouldn't share any personal information about yourself or others without their permission.
-
Share Help to cover the cost of ‘Back to School’ on Facebook Share Help to cover the cost of ‘Back to School’ on Twitter Share Help to cover the cost of ‘Back to School’ on Linkedin Email Help to cover the cost of ‘Back to School’ link
Help to cover the cost of ‘Back to School’
Believe it or not as we approach the end of another academic year some parents/guardians will soon be focussing on how to meet the costs of the new term beginning in September.
After an initial trial last year, West Cheshire Credit Union are pleased to be offering a school uniform loan of up to £250, giving parents another option to turn to when it comes to meeting the costs. School shoes can often be one of the more expensive items of a school uniform, so small loans are available to cover this cost.
The loan scheme aims to complement other... Continue reading -
Share Changing Lives Together – Buddy and Befriending Service on Facebook Share Changing Lives Together – Buddy and Befriending Service on Twitter Share Changing Lives Together – Buddy and Befriending Service on Linkedin Email Changing Lives Together – Buddy and Befriending Service link
Changing Lives Together – Buddy and Befriending Service
Our buddy and befriending service is there to help people across Cheshire who are over 18 and are lonely or living with social isolation, simply by giving them the opportunity to talk. We can help people through either telephone befriending or community based befriending.
This is how it works
Our clients are either self-referred or referred by one of our partner agencies, such as GP surgeries, social prescribers or other organisations or charities. Our dedicated team assess each referral on an individual basis depending on the person’s circumstances and requirements.For those who would like to interact with others our... Continue reading
-
Share Brio’s Integrated Wellbeing Services: Looking after your health shouldn't come at a cost on Facebook Share Brio’s Integrated Wellbeing Services: Looking after your health shouldn't come at a cost on Twitter Share Brio’s Integrated Wellbeing Services: Looking after your health shouldn't come at a cost on Linkedin Email Brio’s Integrated Wellbeing Services: Looking after your health shouldn't come at a cost link
Brio’s Integrated Wellbeing Services: Looking after your health shouldn't come at a cost
As the cost of living continues to impact communities across Cheshire West and Chester, Brio is offering a range of free wellbeing services to support local residents to stay active, live healthier lives and remain independent during these challenging times. Whether you’re trying to manage your weight, quit smoking or reduce your risk of falling, our Integrated Wellbeing Services are here to help.
These services are designed to remove barriers to health and wellbeing, especially for individuals and families experiencing financial pressures. All programmes are free to eligible participants and are delivered locally in community settings, making it easier than... Continue reading -
Share Citizens Advice Energy Team on Facebook Share Citizens Advice Energy Team on Twitter Share Citizens Advice Energy Team on Linkedin Email Citizens Advice Energy Team link
Citizens Advice Energy Team
We’re here to help you make your home more energy-efficient, reduce your energy bills, and take control of your energy use. Whether you own or rent, our team offers expert advice, guidance, and resources to help you save energy and money.Energy Advice – Free & Confidential
Our trained advisors provide tailored advice to help you reduce your energy usage, save on bills, and make your home more energy efficient. We offer advice through the following channels:
- Home visits
- Telephone appointments
- In-office appointments
We’ll help you understand your energy bills, explain tariffs, and ensure you’re on the best energy plan... Continue reading
-
Share Buy safe and stay safe on Facebook Share Buy safe and stay safe on Twitter Share Buy safe and stay safe on Linkedin Email Buy safe and stay safe link
Buy safe and stay safe
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service understands that buying electrical items can be costly. With the added expense of everyday life, it might be tempting to cut costs when shopping for electrical products. However, doing so can pose serious fire safety risks.To keep your home and loved ones safe, follow these simple tips:
Shop smart, shop safe: Always buy electrical products from trusted, reputable retailers. Check for the British or European safety mark.
Charge with care: Use the correct charger for your device and avoid charging devices overnight or unattended. Don’t overload extension leads and never mix incompatible chargers or... Continue reading
-
Share Cheshire age UK - Scams Awareness and Home Hazzard Assessments on Facebook Share Cheshire age UK - Scams Awareness and Home Hazzard Assessments on Twitter Share Cheshire age UK - Scams Awareness and Home Hazzard Assessments on Linkedin Email Cheshire age UK - Scams Awareness and Home Hazzard Assessments link
Cheshire age UK - Scams Awareness and Home Hazzard Assessments
Older Persons Scams Awareness and Aftercare
Each year in Cheshire, more than 5,000 people report being victims of scams and fraud, costing them over £20 million. Scammers are criminals who commit fraud. They target older people more than any other group.
Age UK Cheshire are partnering with Cheshire West & Chester Council's Trading Standards Team to raise awareness of scams and doorstep crime amongst local older people, and support those who have been scammed to not become a repeat victim.
This project helps older people, across the whole of Cheshire, to be resilient against scams and provides advice and support... Continue reading
-
Share Safe tyres save lives – and money on Facebook Share Safe tyres save lives – and money on Twitter Share Safe tyres save lives – and money on Linkedin Email Safe tyres save lives – and money link
Safe tyres save lives – and money
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service offers practical advice to keep your vehicle safe. Well-maintained tyres don’t just enhance safety - they last longer, save money, and boost fuel efficiency.
Check your tyres monthly – Inspect the pressure, tread depth, and look for any signs of wear or damage. Find safety guidance at: cheshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/car-safety.
Keep your wheels aligned – Misaligned tyres can lead to uneven or rapid wear, cause the car to pull to one side, vibrate the steering wheel, or create noise at low speeds.
Use the right tyres – Choose tyres designed for reduced rolling resistance and better... Continue reading
-
Share Free impartial advice to help you take control of your bills, save energy at home and access additional support. on Facebook Share Free impartial advice to help you take control of your bills, save energy at home and access additional support. on Twitter Share Free impartial advice to help you take control of your bills, save energy at home and access additional support. on Linkedin Email Free impartial advice to help you take control of your bills, save energy at home and access additional support. link
Free impartial advice to help you take control of your bills, save energy at home and access additional support.
Green Doctors work with public and private partners to ensure support reaches those who need it most in local communities.Support is available to a wide range of people so if you’re finding it hard to heat your home, worried about how you’re going to manage your energy or water bill, have a health condition affected by the cold then we might be able to help.
Our support includes:
- the installation of small energy saving measures such as draughtproofing and radiator foils
- help with boiler and heating controls
- smart meters / water meters
- fuel and water debt
- registration on suppliers’... Continue reading
-
Share Walking Further Together - On Tour on Facebook Share Walking Further Together - On Tour on Twitter Share Walking Further Together - On Tour on Linkedin Email Walking Further Together - On Tour link
Walking Further Together - On Tour
Walking Further Together is an interactive exhibition of the lived experience of poverty, designed to challenge stigma and shape how we respond to the increased cost of living. The exhibition promotes a greater understanding of the struggle against poverty and how co-production can reinforce the ethos of 'Nothing about us without us is for us'.
Residents across the borough will now have the opportunity to drop in and see parts of the exhibition within west Cheshire's libraries. The exhibition on tour will include pieces of art, audio and visual displays. The session aims to be interactive and thought... Continue reading
Sign up to the Cost of Living Support e-newsletter
Leaflets - Walking Further Together, Helping Hand to the Support You Need and How We Live Training
Questions & answers
- What support is available in Cheshire West?
-
Questions about financial support
- I’m struggling to pay my bills, where can I get help?
- Where can I get support if I have exceptional needs or require emergency funding?
- How do I check if I’m getting the benefits I’m entitled to?
- Do I need to be receiving benefits to apply for the Household Support Fund?
- If I apply for the Household Support Fund, will it affect my benefits?
- Where can I go to get free or affordable food?
- If I’m worried about money, how can I look after my mental health?
- What does ‘lived experience’ mean?
Videos
-
This new community café is more than just a café, it's a fabulous place to meet new people and enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat.
-
A new, community laundrette is open at the New Images Youth and Community Centre on Nixon Drive, Winsford and is free to use.
-
Severn Trent Water has several ‘help to pay’ schemes available to anyone struggling to pay their bill or with additional needs.
-
Let’s Talk sites offer residents an opportunity to have a face to face conversation about their health and wellbeing and are also a place where people can go for practical advice and guidance
-
Reaching out for help can feel daunting. Hear from people who overcame those fears and who received a positive and welcoming response to their request for support.
-
Watch to see the repair café in action and meet the people involved in this great project.