Public health news: Cost of living and Welcoming Places

Public Health Newsletter: June 2023

There is a wealth of help and advice available at South Tyneside cost of living information.

This includes information on government help, welfare support and the Household Support Fund. There is also help and support on the following subjects:

• Money and debt advice
• Benefit entitlement
• Crisis support and food
• Job and skills support
• Education
• Data tariffs

Pension Credit

Thousands of people in South Tyneside are missing out on pension credit payments.

You could be entitled to pension credit if you are over 66 years old and living on a low income. This tops up your state pension and could help you cover your costs. You may even qualify if you have some savings.

You can check your eligibility at GOV.UK: Pension Credit or by calling 0800 991234.

For more information or assistance with the application process call Citizens Advice on 0191 455 7958 or Welfare Support on 0300 123 663.

Healthy Start Vitamins and Vouchers

Anyone who is pregnant or families with children under 4 and in receipt of qualifying benefits may be entitled to get help to buy some basic foods and milk.

Find out if you're eligible for the Healthy Start scheme at www.healthystart.nhs.uk and apply online.

Anyone who lives in South Tyneside and is at least 10 weeks pregnant and/or has a child under 4 years old can also claim FREE Healthy Start Vitamins every 8 weeks.

To find out where you can collect vitamins from visit Healthy Start Vitamins.

Welcoming Places

More than 60 venues previously known as 'Warm Spaces' are keeping their doors open over the summer months in South Tyneside under the new name of Welcoming Places.

Community centres, churches, charities, family hubs and Council buildings such as The Word will continue to offer companionship, advice and free activities at drop-in spaces.

Councillor Paul Dean, who is the Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Equalities, said "We decided to re-brand these places in response to feedback from those using the spaces and because people will no longer need to rely on them to keep warm. However, most venues decided to keep the spaces open as at least 400 people are using them each month so they are clearly a valued asset in our communities."

He added: "I would like to place on record my thanks to all our partners who are working with us to provide these much-needed social spaces. They are playing a key role for many by helping to combat loneliness and isolation as well as offering advice. I'd encourage anyone who feels they would like to meet new people or who needs wider advice or signposting to pop along. The name has changed but the welcome will be as warm as ever at these venues."

The Council is keen to hear from any other groups or venues who would like to join the network of Welcoming Places.

To find out more, contact welcomingplaces@southtyneside.gov.uk.