Monmouthshire County Council is launching a campaign signposting people suffering financial hardship, mental health issues or other causes of concern towards available support.  The campaign is delivered in partnership with a range of organisations which can provide help and support like Citizens Advice, Department for Work and Pensions, Gateway Credit Union, Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations and Mind Monmouthshire, as well as local housing associations and town and community councils across the county.

The campaign emphasises the many opportunities for support and encourages people to seek help and advice as early as possible.  It  also stresses that it is never too late to seek help, advice and support.

The campaign results from the recognition that many are unaware of how much support is available to people who may be struggling financially, and that this lack of knowledge is a key barrier to accessing help.  This includes those struggling financially but also those with mental health issues or in need of other aid and advice.

The Covid pandemic has intensified many of the underlying social, financial and mental health issues affecting Monmouthshire’s communities, as well as placing unprecedented levels of strain on households who had previously never experienced financial difficulties. This means that people who have never had to access benefits or other forms of support are having to do so for the first time.

To help take the first step in getting assistance, Monmouthshire County Council has compiled a web resource which draws support from different organisations together in one place.  It can be accessed at www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/money-advice/

As well as national organisations such as Citizens Advice and Turn2US, the website also contains details of local groups and organisations who can offer practical support and even small grants.

The campaign seeks to encourage people to take the first steps in seeking help as early as possible, as this is the point when it is generally easiest to resolve matters.  It also emphasises, however, that nobody’s financial situation is ever so bad that there is nothing that can be done.

The campaign will have an impact from October onwards with local community engagement events, radio advertising, short clips featuring local people, posters, social media posts and leaflets to transmit messages throughout the year. 

Councillor Lisa Dymock, Monmouthshire’s Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Social Justice said: “We know that times are hard for many people, but we also know that people are often surprised by just how much help is available to them when they reach out.  Our key message is to seek help and advice as early as possible – but that it is never too late to seek help and support.”

For more information visit: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/money-advice/