All five councils across West Yorkshire have publicised details on where residents can get support amid the rising cost of living.
Each council – Wakefield, Calderdale, Bradford, Leeds and Kirklees – have devoted sections of their websites, offering support and advice to those experiencing financial difficulties in their area.
The rising cost of living is a concern for all and can have an impact on people’s mental health.
It is known that suicide risk increases during times of financial hardship, austerity or recession.
But help is at hand, with various packages of support available to those struggling.
In Kirklees, their 'Cost of Living' pages detail advice and support on finances, debt, reducing energy bills, the cost of food and mental health.
In Calderdale, their 'Money and Wellbeing' pages, offer support on benefits, debt, bills, children and families, health and wellbeing, employment skills, food and much more.
In Leeds, the Money Information Centre offers details on where to access free, independent and confidential advice on debt, benefits, emergency food, low cost loads, bills, employment and gambling harms.
Wakefield’s website has a page titled 'More money in your pocket' which carries a helpful video as well as offering information on topics such as housing, benefits, energy and finances, as well as help with jobs and health.
Bradford City Council has a 'Help with the cost of living' section which keeps up to date with the latest support, advice and Government finance packages to help people with issues such as energy bills, food, and benefits.
Bradford’s ‘Wellbeing Network’ also provides a range of services across the city through its hubs, where expert help is at hand on topics including welfare advice. For more information on the network, click here.