Money has become a bigger worry for everyone recently, with the cost of living crisis and now Christmas and winter costs approaching, people need help now more than ever.
A recent study by Fair4All Finance, a not-for-profit financial organisation, revealed that Oldham was sixth in the North West for the percentage of people in financial vulnerability.
The borough had also seen the second-highest increase of people who had fallen into financial trouble in the region.
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Help is out there, from government and council help to charities and organisations, we have compiled a list of some of the places people can go to for help with money.
Oldham Council
People may be entitled to various benefits that the council can help provide.
Oldham Council is able to help with issues like debt, employment, health and meals.
It can be a daunting task trying to figure out what you’re entitled to and the council has a dedicated helpline which can offer advice from 9am to 5pm every weekday.
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People can also use Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert benefits calculator.
The system takes just 10 minutes and will ask questions about things such as current employment status and income, any benefits being received as well as living situation.
Citizens Advice, Oldham
Jonathan Yates, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Oldham said that the recent figures ‘highlight the significant financial challenges many people in Oldham are facing’.
The organisation is dedicated to offering free, confidential and impartial advice to people in Oldham.
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Their team can help with a range of problems including managing debts and budgeting to maximising income and accessing emergency support.
They hold a range of sessions at drop-in locations across as well as by freephone and their website.
Oldham Household Support Fund
A joint effort from Action Together and Oldham Council, the household support fund works by directly investing voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) groups and organisations.
The funding will be available to VCFSE groups who are working closely with individuals and households in Oldham who are at risk due to the adverse impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
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The organisations will work with communities including, but not limited to:
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Older adults
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Communities who experience racial inequalities
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People experiencing multiple disadvantage (e.g. a combination of substance misuse, poor mental health, history of offending etc.)
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People with no recourse to public funds
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People with disabilities and learning disabilities
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Low-income households
The groups will be enabled to offer a range of services, including emergency support, clothing, school uniforms and household costs.
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For more information on the fund and to access a list of organisations offering the support, visit Action Together.
Money Advice Referral Tool Oldham
Greater Manchester Poverty Action has created a useful tool to help find where to look.
Simply access the referral tool for Oldham and follow the steps on the form and contact the services the problem is matched to.
Mental Health Services
While they may not be able to advise on what action to take, mental health services can be a good place to go to help manage financial worries.
People in problem debt are nearly two and a half times more likely to experience mental health problems, according to a study by Citizens Advice.
People can access a range of mental health services through the NHS, Mind, Shout and Healthy Minds.
