A much-needed advice hub has been set up to give face-to-face support to vulnerable residents in Stretford.
The Stretford Advice Hub, set up by Trafford Council and Stretford Public Hall, will take place weekly at Stretford Public Hall giving residents information on issues including energy bills, care support, money worries, housing support and health.
The hub was launched following recommendations given by the Poverty Truth Commission (PTC) which was set up by Trafford Council to help tackle the issue of poverty and its many causes across the borough. The PTC was made up of a special team of Community Commissioners – Trafford residents who are living in poverty and Civic Commissioners from the private, public and voluntary sectors.
The hub, which is free to attend every Tuesday of the month, is part of a pilot scheme which was created following the recommendations of the PTC to improve how Trafford residents access services. It will involve a number of partners working closely with the Council and Stretford Public Hall, including the NHS, Citizen’s Advice, the Growth Company and more.
The hub offers a number of advice drop-ins on money, housing, volunteering, improving your health, dealing with energy costs and keeping your home warm, ESOL courses and information and help for carers.
Stretford Advice Hub is joining the ‘Together Tuesdays’ drop-ins to offer free food and refreshments for all, yoga sessions, an ESOL conversation cafe, free massages and volunteers to chat to. The hub also offer community support through a foodbank, its household support fund, citizens advice advisors and gardening, running and rock choir events.
Cllr James Wright, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Advice, said: “The Stretford Advice Hub is a fabulous new service for the area and I am absolutely delighted that it has been set up. One of the main messages from the recommendations of the PTC was that we need to improve how residents can access vital services and I believe we have done that with the creation of the hub.
“Residents who are concerned about any number of issues can now speak to experts in those areas free of charge and face-to-face and that is a huge positive for everyone. Thank you so much to all our partners who are working closely together to make this hub a success. Remember, please take advantage of the hub and come along for a chat – it will be well worth it.”
The Stretford Advice Hub is located at Stretford Public Hall, Chester Road M32 0LG, and the opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm. Everyone is welcome and there is no need to book.
