Local charity concerned about sharp rise in cost-of-living

HOUSEHOLDS across Frome are facing increasing financial pressure in the coming months as the cost of living continues to rise. As a result, a local charity which helps those who are struggling, says it is expecting an increase in demand for its services.

Fair Frome – which organising the Frome Food Bank – has told Frome Times that it is‘extremely concerned’ about the coming months and the impact it could have on vulnerable residents.

“For many people in Frome the past year has been an extremely difficult one and the coming year looks like it could be even worse,” said chair of Fair Frome, Bob Ashford. 

“The pandemic isn’t over and many people with health issues are still anxious and lonely. Added to this, the reductions in Universal Credit, welfare benefits which aren’t keeping pace with inflation, massive rises in fuel bills with a new hike coming in April along with a rise in National Insurance, increases in BT bills and now a 30 year high for inflation, will be hitting individuals and families locally and adding to their burdens.

“In the few months leading up to Christmas, we saw a 30% increase in demand for our food bank and we expect to continue to see this rise. 

“There are excellent support services in the town but we are deeply concerned about the impact these changes, which will all hit the most vulnerable in our town hardest, will have.  

“Fair Frome will continue to do everything we can to try and mitigate some of these impacts, but it certainly won’t be enough.”

The organisation also provides ‘Food at Five’ – a takeaway hot meal service that is free to anyone on benefits or low income. The service runs three days per week, every week at 5pm – on Mondays they are at Mount Community Hut, Wednesdays at the Cricket Club, and Thursdays at Trinity Church Hall car park. 

It also runs the furniture bank, which provides free white goods and household furniture to referred families and individuals; and the Holiday Hunger scheme, which offers free lunches to eligible families three days a week during all school holidays.

For more information about how Fair Frome can help, visit their website: https://fairfrome.org

Free, confidential and impartial advice

Fair Frome also works closely with Citizens Advice Mendip who are the main provider of free, confidential and impartial advice in the area.

The service can discuss employment issues, give advice on benefits and support people to apply for Universal Credit, give advice about managing debts, and can make referrals to the food bank.

For more information about how Citizens Advice Mendip can help, call 0808 27 87 842; or visit their website: www.citizensadvicemendip.org.uk

Short-term financial help 

The Somerset Household Support Fund has been set up as a collaboration between Citizens Advice and Somerset County Council to provide short-term financial support to households struggling with the cost of essentials such as food, energy, water bills etc. during the winter. 

If you live in Somerset and are you over the age of 16 and living independently of parents or carers and can provide the required proof of your identity and income, then help might be available. You may be eligible for a voucher that can be used in all the main supermarkets, with energy companies and to purchase essential items and appliances. 

The fund is being distributed by the Citizens Advice organisations in Somerset and is capped at £250. To apply go to https://hsf.citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk. The fund is open until 31st March.