Cost of Living Crisis – Information
Introduction
BelfastEntries is a hobby website covering the local history of our families before us. However many will struggle in coming months from the onslaught of rising prices and static incomes. We have therefore pulled together information below to signpost organisations that may be able to offer support to obtain food, reduce bills and help you cope in difficult times. We will add more information in coming days/ weeks.
If you do not need the services yourself but want to help then many of the links below will advise on ways of supporting the charities delivering these services.
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Note that we are not associated with any of the organisations listed below nor can we offer financial advice. The links & information provided are based on results we found from internet searches and may be helpful for those needing support. You can visit the linked websites and follow up if you wish.
General Guidance for Households
NIDirect Cost of Living
NIDirect brings together lots of information from government departments and agencies, written in language that is easy to understand.
Money Saving Expert
Martin Lewis created Money Saving Expert in 2003. It is now the UK’s most popular money website and the UK brand most recommended by consumers
The Consumer Council
The Consumer Council provide free, independent support and advice for all consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland.
Advice NI
Advice NI, a registered charity, provides leadership and services to our 69 member organisations and to ensure accessible advice services across Northern Ireland.
Local Food Banks
Food banks are community organisations that can help if you can’t afford the food you need. You’ll usually need to get a referral to a food bank before you can use it. Citizens Advice offer guidance on using food banks here
The links below offer information on food banks and their locations.
The Trussell Trust
The Trussell Trust support a nationwide network of food banks and provide emergency food and support to people locked in poverty
Consumer Council NI
Information on various food banks in Northern Ireland.
Last updated 17 August 2020
CommunityNI
CommunityNI is Northern Ireland’s leading opportunities hub for the voluntary and community sector.
Independent Food Aid Network
Our vision is of a country without the need for charitable food aid where adequate and nutritious food is affordable to all
Social Supermarkets
A social supermarket is a community run shop that provides support for local families and individuals experiencing food poverty. Note the emphasis on local community shoppers. There are only a few at present but hopefully numbers will increase.
Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council
Social Supermarkets provide members with the opportunity to shop at a reduced cost for a period of months. There are 2 Social Supermarkets in Causeway Coast and Glens
Footprints Women’s Centre
Footprints Social Supermarket first opened its doors in November 2017. We sell a wide range of extremely discounted food for families in the Colin Neighbourhood.
KICKSTART SOCIAL SUPERMARKET
‘Kickstart Social Supermarket’ at Lisburn Community Trust and is aimed at those struggling with Food Poverty and aims to support families and individuals with food and wraparound care.
More to come…
If you want to contact us on the suggestions for help or have suggestions for further information that may be of value feel free to let us know at belfastentries@gmail.com
