As fuel costs rise pregnant women and families with young children up to one year old in Bradford District and Craven can get free financial help.
Today (1 October 2024), gas and electricity prices have risen by 10%, causing financial pressure and worries for many local families with young children.
To support these families, Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership and Bradford Council have partnered with Hope4U – an organisation that aims to eradicate poverty and improve financial sustainability.
Hope4U help eligible families tackle the immediate problems they are facing, but also to help with the underlying issues, this could include help with benefits or a free home energy survey and advice to lower bills. £50 supermarket vouchers are also being offered to households expecting a baby, or with children under one
Working in partnership with Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership and Bradford Council, Hope4U has supported 3,935 families in the last 15 months and has helped these households access (by increasing benefits or a grant) and save (through energy efficiency) over £2.5 million in total.
A single mother in Bradford recently used Hope4U and saved £435 and had a benefit uplift of £4,786. She was able to access the benefits she was entitled to, saved money on her energy bills, and received housing support to move house when she is ready. She said: “The service was super helpful and supportive in helping access the financial help I was entitled to. They were also able to help me with baby items and helping me fill out the correct forms for me to move house which will be suitable for my family.”
You can get in touch with Hope4U by emailing NGN@HOPE4U.CO.UK, calling 0330 320 2140, or visiting www.hope4u.co.uk/general-7 and fill out the online form.
Nagina Javaid, Programme Director for Children, Young People and Families at Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, said: “Helping children and young people to have the best start to life is a top priority and financial security does have a huge effect on family life. Hope4U is a non-judgmental service that will offer families with financial worries some much needed relief. Please remember you are not alone, do get in touch with Hope4U or one of our wellbeing hubs for help as soon as you can.”
Families experiencing financial stress or worries can also go to one of the wellbeing hubs in Bradford District and Craven. They’re open Monday to Friday and provide welcome, safe and confidential spaces for people to access financial, mental health and physical health support.
- Thornbury Hub at the Thornbury Centre, Leeds Old Road, BD3 8JX. 01274 665598
- Manningham Hub at Manningham Mills, Lilycroft Road, Bradford, BD9 5BD. 01274 594173
- Tong Hub at the Sutton Centre, 51 Kyffin Pl, Bradford BD4 8NB. 01274 668881
If you’d like to find out more about cost-of-living support in Bradford District visit www.costoflivingbradford.co.uk.