Many live in difficult times, with energy bills rising, mortgages soaring, petrol prices increasing, the food shop becoming extortionate, taxes going up and real terms support going down.

That’s why in his first week as Stevenage Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate, Kevin Bonavia worked with fantastic local councillors, residents and community groups to set up a “Cost of Living Support” helpsheet website which gives residents a collection of organisations to reach out to for help, with all kinds of assistance ranging from coping with mortgage payments, to accessing utility replacements or food parcels.

A printed link to this page will be delivered to every household in Stevenage and the Villages. Here it is below:

Citizens Advice, Stevenage

Advice on your household finances, benefits, energy, scams, housing or anything else, get in touch. Trained advisers can help and give you the information you need to make the decisions that are right for you.   Here’s how to contact them:

• online via stevenagecab.org.uk
• over the telephone 0800 144 8848
• email: emailadvice@castevenage.org.uk

Stevenage Credit Union

Offers loans at fair and reasonable rates, to help spread the cost in these difficult times. People can join Stevenage Credit Union online at www.stevenagecreditunion.com or

Email mail@stevenagecreditunion.com

Telephone 07895 327 826

Visit the office at 11 The Hyde Stevenage SG2 9SD (Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9-12pm)

Stevenage Credit Union is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and all loans are subject to status

Stevenage Community Trust

Provides hardship grants, year round, to residents of Stevenage and surrounding villages. E.g. replacing cookers, washing machines, furniture. Heating grants can be applied for and Christmas gift cards are also available.

Referral only from a supporting agency (eg. Council, Social Services, CAB).  www.stevenagecommunitytrust.org/grants

Foodbanks and other food resources

Foodshed:  Referral-based (contact them to find out who can refer you.) Located at the Vineyard Centre Unit 1, the Orbital Centre, Cockerel Close, Stevenage SG1 2NB. http://stevenage-vineyard.co.uk/compassion/foodshed.

People for People Stevenage: Can help with food, and reach out to the community for other items you may need, like furniture. Reach them on Facebook @peopleforpeoplestevenage or 92a High Street Stevenage SG1 3DW

Food rescue hub:  Collects perfectly good food destined for landfill. Location: Old Red Lion Pub, Hydean Way Stevenage SG2 9SR – Saturdays, 9-11am. Bring your own reusable bag. Currently limiting to 2 bags per “rescuer”. There’s a suggested donation at least £5 for 2 bags of shopping. More information here: https://www.foodrescuehub.uk/

Help with Council Tax or rent arrears

Contact the council as soon as you realise that you are having difficulty paying your rent or council tax. There is a team who can check whether you are claiming everything you are entitled to and put you in contact with support agencies. Contact income@stevenage.gov.uk or 01438 242666. Citizens Advice Bureau can help, too. They are all here to help.

We will always be on your side, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us either, by clicking the contact button on our website.

Whether it’s our Parliamentary candidate, our councillors, our members or our volunteers, we are rooted in the community and care about your problems. We are all facing testing times, so ask for help when you need it.

Want to tell Kevin what you think? Email kevinforstevenage@gmail.com