Flintshire and Wrexham community groups have organised a Cost of Living Summit to strengthen links between local services that offer support.
The summit will take place on the morning of Friday, September 30 at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, Wrexham.
The summit will be hosted by We Are Plas Madoc, an organisation already supporting people through the crisis by organising social sessions, affordable activities, a transport scheme for people to attend GP appointments and get their weekly shopping.
READ MORE: Lack of accessible toilets leads to the isolation of disabled people, says group
We Are Plas Madoc, FDF Centre for Independent Living, Art and Soul Tribe, Flintshire City of Sanctuary supported by TCC (Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru/Together Creating Communities) and Building Communities Trust have worked together to organise the event.
A priority on the agenda of the summit will be addressing the announcement by the UK Government clarifying cost of living support, which is expected in the coming days.
One organiser, TCC Wales, an organisation that tackles social injustice by supporting diverse communities, aims to strengthen the dialogue between communities, elected leaders, local businesses and funders about local and national solutions that will support people in the years ahead.
Jan Thomas, Chief Officer of the FDF Centre for Independent living said: “Many disabled people depend on electric powered equipment - stair lifts, oxygen machines, hospital beds, rise and recline chairs, mobility scooters and power wheelchairs.
"They cannot choose to turn these machines off, some of them would deteriorate rapidly without this support.
"Many have extra washing and drying because of their condition. We need help and we need it now.”
READ MORE: Wrexham disability charity fears for families at "breaking point" in Cost of Living Crisis
Jane Bellis from Art and Soul Tribe working across the region has been asking people she works with how they are affected; responses included a dad of four who is a student and is worried about winter fuel bills and can't turn his heating on, and a mum of two and full-time carer, working from home and struggling to pay bills.
Ruth Marshall at Yellow and Blue (YAB), another TCC member group attending the event, said: “People are currently relying on us at YAB, and this will increase, especially in the winter months.
"Yellow and Blue have also seen our energy bills and the cost of food almost double.
"I myself am classed as the working poor with my partner in full time employment and myself part time; we are also struggling and worry for the future.
READ MORE:
- Wrexham: Yellow and Blue seeking support this winter
- Flintshire Council considering 'warm hubs'
- Cost of living: What help is the government giving for energy bills?
"The working poor fall into the gap of no support but there is a big impact on our daily living costs.”
Claire Pugh, Community Development Manager from We are Plas Madoc said: “This is just the start of the conversation and will hopefully pave the way for improved communications and improved support to ensure no-one gets left behind during these difficult times"
The event is closed to the public due to limited capacity and space.
Those with questions about the cost-of-living work of TCC Wales or interest in coming to future events can email amy@tcc-wales.org.uk.
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