The cost of living crisis is regular in the news at the moment and many people are experiencing anxiety around finances for the coming months.
We've pulled together some resources to help if you're experiencing this, from advice and guidance to practical support you can access.
If you're already accessing support with 42nd Street in Manchester and 16+, you can chat to your worker about accessing the 16up BeWell programme. It offers support around welfare, employment, lifestyle changes and mental health.
Information & Advice
If worries about money are impacting your wellbeing or mental health, Mind have some great articles and short videos on how to take care of yourself during difficult financial times.
The Mix has a number of (free) e-learning courses about finances for young people, as well as videos helpful for those taking first steps into independent living. They even have a financial health check chat bot you can try. You can also talk to them directly through their online 1-2-1 chat.
For advice around debt, benefits, rent worries and more, Citizen’s Advice has loads of legal advice to know your rights and find the right help for you. You can also chat to them directly if your worried about debt.
The Princes Trust features a number of tools and practical tips on budgeting, saving and getting to grips with how banks really work. They’re also there to talk to for advice around training, job hunting, reskilling and managing debt through a live chat and freephone number.
My Bank is a charity that offers advice and guidance to young people about finances. They also offer a young ambassador program if you’d like to take action, supporting and educating others about money matters.
Looking for simple, bite size explanations about the cost of living crisis? Newsround has tons of easily digestible videos and articles to help understand what’s happening around us.
The Money Saving Expert site features dozens of up to date tips on saving money and navigating the current climate as well as a dedicated cost of living survival kit.
The Money Charity has produced a guide for students on managing money and has more advice about general finances on their site.
Get Support From Your Local Council
A number of boroughs across Greater Manchester will offer schemes to support financial hardship. Some offer cash grants, some food vouchers and others essentials goods and produce. You can find information about each here:
Worried about homelessness?
If you’re worried about any risk of homelessness you can reach out to Mustard Tree for support, advice and practical help.
You can also get support from the Pathfinders programme. If you're getting support from 42nd Street already you can simply chat to worker about this. You also can also refer yourself to it here or reach out on enquiries@gmbop.org for more info.
If you identify as LGBTQ+ can also contact Albert Kennedy Trust for support with housing, as well as mentoring schemes.
Food Banks & Day to Day Supplies
You can find a full list of food banks available across Greater Manchester here
The Bread and Butter Thing operates mobile food clubs for those on low incomes in a number of locations across Greater Manchester. You can sign up on their site if you need help.
If you’re in Manchester or Salford, Wood Street Mission can help children and families in their day to day needs, including help with clothes, bedding and toys.
Period poverty can impact many people and we’re passionate about doing what we can to help. You can get free products from our base in Ancoats, as well as from most food banks and sexual health clinics. You can find out more in our article about period positivity, along with links to a number of charities there to support. It might also help to look at our article on periods and mental health and you can even check out our own zine all about periods: 'Go With The Flow'.
