Lindsey Wood from East Durham Trust dispels the myth that community support charities are only there only help people who are out of work or on benefits.
A charity which provides vital support to individuals and families is urging employees from businesses across the area to contact them if they need any help or advice as the cost of living crisis continues to impact on so many people. The team at Peterlee-based East Durham Trust provides a range of services to help those most impacted by rising energy, food and fuel costs. However, they are keen to dispel the myth that they are only there to help people who are out of work. Lindsey Wood from East Durham Trust said: “I think people have this idea that we’re only there to help people on benefits who are out of work and that just isn’t the case. We know there are so many individuals and families that are struggling at the moment – many of whom are working families.
“Rising energy costs are affecting every single one of us and that, coupled with the high costs of fuel, food and clothing, means more and more people are struggling to pay their bills. “For that reason were really keen to reach out to the employers across the area to say to them to let their employees know we’re here to help. “It doesn’t matter how much they’re earning, if they’re struggling and want advice on how to better manage their money, come and see us.”
East Durham Trust, based at Community House, provides a range of services to the community, including is the Community Resilience project that offers a two-pronged approach with both financial wellbeing support including welfare and debt advice and workshops to help people better manage their money, alongside help with emotional wellbeing including one to one counselling, and group wellbeing activities such as walking, photography, yoga, mindfulness and much more. Lindsey added “A person’s financial and emotional wellbeing are intrinsically linked. Having worries about money and financial security has an impact on an individual’s overall wellbeing, and can ultimately have a damaging effect on health. The Community Resilience project looks to build resilience in both areas and support local residents to overcome these hurdles.” As well as the Community Resilience project, the Trust offers a range of additional services including access to emergency food parcels, fuel, shopping and cash vouchers for those in financial crisis, information, advice and guidance, family activities during school holidays, telephone befriending and opportunities to engage and participate in arts and culture.