New cost of living signposting and support service launched for people across Devon
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new Cost of Living Signposting & Support Service, which will provide free advice and guidance to anyone facing challenges around cost of living pressures (e.g., debt, benefits, or housing issues). The service has a focus on connecting people with organisations in their community which are best placed to provide ongoing help.
Individuals are free to access the service directly, but we also welcome referrals from other organisations working with individuals (so long as consent has been secured from the client). The service works on a ‘callback’ basis — callers provide their details to a central team, which informs the appropriate locality team, who then make direct contact with the individual. The locality teams are staffed by Encompass South West and Improving Lives Plymouth, as shown on the map below.
How to access the service
To access the service, simply call our 24-hour helpline* or email one of our teams (if emailing, please include your name, address, phone number, and reason for getting in touch). We’ll collect some basic information, including your location and the support you require, then an expert member of our team will get back in touch with you within 2 working days. We’ll also try to follow up with everyone we work with after a couple of weeks to check in and ensure that progress has been made.
*Calls from landlines are typically charged up to 16p per minute. Call costs from mobiles vary according to the calling plan chosen. Typically, they are included in free call packages. However, if you call an 01/02 number outside of any inclusive minutes, they can cost between 3p and 65p per minute.
Please note: For residents in the Torbay area, the Torbay Community Helpline is a great existing resource that is more closely connected with local organisations. Just call 01803 446 022 between 10am and 6pm on Mondays to Fridays, or between 11:30am and 12:30pm on Saturdays. Alternatively, you can fill in an online form at bit.ly/torbayhelpline.
To access the service, call 020 3467 7509
Alternatively, email one of the addresses below:
North, Mid & West Devon (blue section of the map):
communityadvice@encompass-sw.org.uk
Plymouth, Exeter, South & East Devon (green section of the map)
advice@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk
(Don’t worry if you’re not sure which area you fall within — provide your address and we’ll make sure you’re connected with the correct team.)