Cost of Living Support Hubs

The decision to set up these cost of living support hubs was made in response to public feedback. Citizens Advice found that many people were struggling to meet basic day to day living costs and the recent climb in energy prices.

These hubs can offer support and information on how to save money and make money stretch further. They also provide practical help relating to food, fuel and access to available grants and funds based on qualifying criteria.

• The support hubs are operated by Citizens Advice Dudley & Wolverhampton, and have been commissioned by the Dudley Empowerment Partnership. They are supported by Dudley Council Public Health and the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board

To visit a hub you must book an appointment. On the day of your appointment you must take two forms of ID.

• One form of ID with your Name (eg Passport, Travel Pass, Debit Card)

and

• One form of ID with your Name and Address. This is to prove you're a resident of Dudley Borough (eg a council tax bill)

Support will only be offered by attending a pre-booked appointment. Appointments cannot be booked at the venues and must be done online.

Please note:

Due to significant demand the hubs have implemented the following criteria:

• Households are allowed to attend up to 3 times. This is for any of the hubs (i.e. 3 times across any hub and not per hub)
• There needs to be a minimum of 12 days between each appointment

If you have attended any of the hubs 3 times and/or not 12 days apart, then please go back and cancel your appointment as you will be declined entry.

• Book an appointment

When you arrive at a hub you will be greeted by a friendly member of staff. They will first help you complete an assessment to find out your support options.

Practical assistance will then be provided based upon this.

This could include:

• Information on how to save money and make money stretch further.
• Practical help accessing: Food. Fuel. Energy. Period products. Available benefits, grants and funds (based on qualifying criteria).
• Advice on saving money on utilities such as energy.
• Household vouchers to purchase essentials (subject to need and availability).
• Fuel bank vouchers (pre-payment meters only - subject to conditions).
• Laptop loan referral.
• Identification of other helpful organisations.

Citizens Advice support hubs are open for pre-booked appointments from 9.30am to 3.30pm

Wednesday

Halesowen Library, The Cornbow Centre, 7th Floor, Halesowen, B63 4AJ

• Book an appointment

Brierley Hill Methodist Church, 24 Bank Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 3DA

• Book an appointment

Please note: These venues rotate each week.

Thursday

Stourbridge, Christ Church, High Street, Lye, DY9 8LF

• Book an appointment

Friday

Provision House, 80-81 High Street, Dudley, DY1 1PY

• Book an appointment

As well as running Cost of Living Support Hubs, Citizens Advice Dudley & Wolverhampton also have a collection of leaflets available. These are full of useful information and can help those who are struggling with the cost of living.

• Citizens Advice Dudley & Wolverhampton - Cost of living resources