Yorkshire Housing customers have been given a £1m boost after money coaches helped them unlock access to a raft of benefits.
Last year our Money Coaching Service helped hundreds of tenants' access £1,049,866 through grants and unclaimed entitlements.
We expect that figure will increase this year as more people look for support to help with the rising cost of living.
In total 446 customers have received support from the Money Coaching Service this year already, a 6% increase on this time last year.
That's why we're launching a new campaign to highlight where customers can go for support to help with rising costs. The #HelpOut campaign will see the roll out of a new online support hub where customers can find information and advice to help them save and manage their money.
Customers will be able to get support with energy and bills, travel and essentials, money worries and budgeting, health and wellbeing and help with claiming benefits and grants.
Our local community centres will also host drop in events where customers can speak to colleagues, ask questions and get help applying for grants and other benefits that they might be entitled to.
We will also be setting up warm banks using our community centres for people struggling to heat their homes. This is on top of increasing our investment in our money coaching teams to help tackle rising demand as well as putting money into the new Help Out fund which is there to support our most vulnerable customers.
Nick Atkin, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Housing said: “We understand that people are worried about rising costs. We want our customers to know that we’re here to help.
“Our money and tenancy coaching teams provide free and confidential advice and support to customers who are struggling to pay bills and manage their money. They’re a dedicated team and its testament to their hard work that they saved our customers over £1m last year.
“Housing associations are facing similar pressures from rising costs. Despite this we’re committed to continuing to build much needed affordable homes and deliver vital services.
“We will do everything possible to help our customers and colleagues during this difficult time”.