Many people are understandably worried and struggling with the rising cost of energy bills, food and transport. With this in mind, The Pioneer Group, together with its charitable arm Compass Support is organising a Cost of Living drop-in session where Castle Vale residents can receive health, wellbeing and employment information, advice and support.

Details for the upcoming drop-in session:

• 2 – 4 pm, Tuesday 13 December
• The Sanctuary, Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale, Birmingham B35 7PX
• T: 0121 748 8111
• E: contactus@compass-support.org.uk

The sessions will also be attended by the following CVCH teams and partners including:

Compass Support’s Income team which supports tenants with their rent enquiries and payments.

Compass Support’s Health, Wellbeing and Employment team which organises events, provides information and referrals to support tenants with their wellbeing and employment goals.

Spitfire Services provides free, confidential and impartial advice for people living in Birmingham on a wide range of money, benefit, housing or employment issues. A full list of what Spitfire Services can assist with is available here.

Advanced Credit Union, a not-for-profit organisation, ‘owned’ by the 5,000 members who save and borrow from the union. It offers a convenient and safe way to put some money away for the future and a cost-effective way to borrow ethically and responsibly. Membership of Advance Credit Union is open to everyone who lives or works within a ‘B’ postcode including Birmingham and the whole of Solihull Borough, find out more about joining here.

Launched in early 2022, there have been a series of themed drop-in sessions specifically to give local residents a place to discuss local issues and concerns, community ideas or drop-in for a coffee and have friendly chat with the team. The previous five sessions have worked well with more than 100 people in attendance.

Castle Vale Community Housing Resident Engagement Officer, Vik Mistry, said:

“The sharp rise in cost of living has put pressure on many people. We are working hard to support Castle Vale residents through these challenging times. We warmly welcome and encourage residents to attend this informal drop-in session which will be packed full of information on not only making ends meet but also how to maintain emotional and physical wellbeing.”

Refreshments will be provided.