Life in Salford 36 • March 2022 16
Help is available Cost of living rises are affecting everyone in Salford but there is help available. The Household Support Fund can help people who are struggling to buy food and essentials, pay bills and heat their homes. It’s open to everyone, including people not receiving benefits, but proof of eligibility is required. Applications close on Friday 30 September 2022. Apply at: www.salford.gov.uk/hsf If you need support with your application call 0800 011 3998 or visit your local gateway centre or Broughton Hub.
General help If you’re not sure where to start please call the Spirit of Salford helpline free on 0800 952 1000 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm or complete the form on www.salford.gov.uk/spiritofsalford The helpline can direct you to a wide range of council and other local services covering money, health, mental health, COVID-19 and housing advice or you can contact them directly (please see below for details.) You can also drop in and ask for help at Eccles Gateway, Barton Lane, Pendleton Gateway, Broadwalk, Swinton Gateway, Chorley Road or Walkden Gateway, Smith Street or Broughton Hub, Rigby Street. The buildings are open Monday to Thursday 8am to 10pm, Friday 8am to 6.30pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm or visit www.salford.gov.uk/gateways
Salford City Council’s Better Off website lets you check your entitlement and apply for benefits, look for jobs and has a wealth of information on budgeting, debt and childcare. You can also get help at a BetterOff coffee and chat session in the Gateways/Broughton Hub or book a video call. Please visit www.salford.gov.uk/betteroff to find out more about online and face to face support. Salford Citizens Advice can help with consumer, employment, housing (including problems for private tenants), immigration, legal and family advice, rights to health, social and community care services and support around bereavement. Please visit www.salfordcab.org.uk or call 0808 27 87 802. Citizens Advice Greater Manchester has an out of hours helpline from 6pm to 9pm, seven days a week. Please call 0161 850 5053.
