Residents of Great Yarmouth struggling with the cost of living have been encouraged to attend a drop-in event. 

Earlier this year, Norfolk County Council announced it would receive further funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to run the Household Support Fund until March 31 next year.

The council is receiving £13.4m from central government and adding an additional £400,000 to make the total programme of support worth £13.8m.

To help people in Great Yarmouth understand how the Household Support Fund could support them, during the DWP’s Household Support Fund Awareness Week, from October 16-22, Norfolk County Council is holding a Help for Households drop-in event at Great Yarmouth Library on Wednesday, October 18, from 10.30am to 3pm.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Great Yarmouth library will host a drop-in event with information on cost of living help on October 18. Great Yarmouth library will host a drop-in event with information on cost of living help on October 18. (Image: Newsquest)

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At the library event, people will be able to get information on:

- Emergency funding to help pay utility bills

- Local community supermarkets and food banks

- How to apply for free school meals and cost of living vouchers

- Learning opportunities available through Multiply’s free maths courses

- Local support from Great Yarmouth Borough Council

- Information and mental health advice for young people aged 11-25

- Advice about managing money

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Household Support Fund Awareness Week runs from October 16 to 22. Household Support Fund Awareness Week runs from October 16 to 22. (Image: Newsquest)

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There will be free hot drinks for everyone attending and for those with additional needs free winter support items including hot water bottles and blankets will be available.

County council leader Councillor Kay Mason-Billig said: “We are encouraging any residents who are struggling to make ends meet to come along and talk to us about the range of support and guidance available through the council’s Household Support Fund.

“Our libraries have a long history of being welcoming spaces for all, so are ideally placed to offer non-judgemental support to those who need it most.”

Find out how you could get help from the Household Support Fund at www.norfolk.gov.uk/costofliving