Inspiring change together

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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:


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:


  • West Cheshire Credit Union

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    The West Cheshire Credit Union is a local financial co-operative commissioned by the Council, working with Health and Housing groups, to deliver a saving and loan service for residents. Operating on a not-for-profit basis, they have over 4,100 active members who live, work, study or volunteer in Cheshire West, Cheshire East, or Flintshire.

    The cost of living crisis means that essential goods and services are becoming more expensive than ever. Whether you are saving for something special or need help to pay for an unexpected cost, West Cheshire Credit Union aims to provide safe and affordable financial services to all members of the community.

    Keep reading to find out about their most popular services.

    • With the Family Loan, members can apply for up to £800 and repayments are made via Child Benefits. A portion of the benefit is used for loan repayment, with the rest being placed into your savings account or other chosen bank account. This helps residents save money while also staying out of debt. You can apply for the Family Loan (and membership) online or in branch
    • The Payroll Saver helps people to put aside money from their earnings to save for big events like Christmas and family holidays. West Cheshire Credit Union is working with many high-profile companies to help people save directly from their wages. To find out if your employer is signed up, visit the Credit Union's Savings page
    • The Junior Saver is a savings account for children and young people from birth to age 16. Account holders are offered 3 per cent interest on balances of up to £3,000. It also encourages children and young people to learn about money to prepare them for later life.

    The West Cheshire Credit Union is regulated via the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulatory Authority, just like high street banks, so members can rest assured that their savings are safe and secure with cover of up to £85,000 provided by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

    West Cheshire Credit Union

  • Five ways to put your wellbeing first

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    As the cost of living rises, many people will be worried about managing their money and paying for everything they need. At this stressful time, it is more important than ever to look after your health and wellbeing.

    Stress can have a negative impact on your mental health and your physical health. January is an especially difficult month with Christmas festivities long-forgotten and the shine already wearing off New Year's resolutions.

    The Council has teamed up with Brio Leisure and Active Cheshire to share information and advice about five ways to lift your mood and improve your wellbeing.

    The 5 Ways to Wellbeing are:

    • Connect - with people around you, including friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours. Good relationships give you a sense of belonging and self-worth, as well as providing emotional support.
    • Be active - whether it is going for a run or a walk, gardening, playing a game or dancing around the kitchen, being active can raise your self-esteem, help you to set goals you can achieve and cause chemical changes in your brain that can positively change your mood.
    • Take notice - savour the moment and make the effort to be more aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better.
    • Learn - try something new or rediscover an old interest, which will help boost your self-confidence, give you a sense of purpose and help you connect with others.
    • Give - do something nice for someone else, volunteer or say thank you. Acts of giving and kindness can create a sense of reward, give you a feeling of purpose and self-worth and help you connect with others.

    It is traditional for many people to make New Year's resolutions about losing weight or dropping a bad habit, but if that feels like it's adding pressure on yourself at a time when you already have a lot of worries, then why not look to do something much more positive for yourself.

    Whether you decide to learn how to cook a new tea, join a guided walk to be active and connect or give some of your time to volunteer, it is possible to find your own five ways to wellbeing.

    The 5 Ways to Wellbeing have been adopted by the NHS and mental health charity Mind following evidence that the steps improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.

    5 Ways to Wellbeing

  • Let's Talk about health and wellbeing

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    You can find lots of information and support at three Let's Talk sites. Drop in for a friendly chat about health and wellbeing. The initiative is run by the Council working with a range of community groups.

    People's health and wellbeing can be affected by lots of different issues, including housing and financial challenges. At Let's Talk, you can get face to face advice and find out about the wellbeing support available in your local area.

    The Let's Talk in Ellesmere Port Market is open every Thursday from 10am to 1pm. Here you will find representatives from adult social care, occupational therapy, ForHousing and Brio leisure, as well as a range of community organisations such as Cheshire West Communities Together, and Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust.

    You can find the Blacon Let's Talk in Matthew Henry Evangelical Church on the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month, from 10am to 12noon.

    The Lache Let's Talk is in Lache Community Centre on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Friday of every month from 11am to 1pm.

    Let's Talk in Blacon and Lache join existing community groups centred around food. They offer conversations with people from a range of organisations such as Cheshire West Communities Together, Citizens Advice (for foodbank users), social care, and occupational therapy.

    Let's Talk has been set up so that residents can access the help they need through a friendly conversation. Plans are underway to have Let's Talk venues in Northwich, Winsford and rural areas later in the year.