It is a difficult time for many people across Manchester, as the costs of energy, food and other bills continue to rise. We hope that this page may offer links to advice and guidance that will support our families. As always if you require any support or guidance please do come and speak with a member of staff.

 
Manchester City Council Cost of Living Advice Line

Please share this information with staff, parents and carers.

To support Manchester residents through the cost-of-living crisis, Manchester City Council will be providing an advice line that will offer:

1. Support with benefits and help with your rent (this is an existing offer made available through the contact centre)

2. Advice about debt and paying bills (this will be done in conjunction with Citizen Advice Manchester)

3. Food support (residents will receive a call back to understand their needs and connected into a local food offer)

4. Support getting online (residents will be linked in with the Council’s digital inclusion team)

By Phone: The advice line can be accessed via a free phone number  0800 023 2692. The line will be open 9:00-4:30 Monday to Friday. Agents on the phone line will have access to language line for those residents whose first language is not English.  Sign Video will also be available for residents who may require this facility.

Online: An online form will be available at  https://www.manchester.gov.uk/helpinghands for those who do not wish to contact by phone. The advice line will also have its own web page that will have links to information of how residents are able to access support.  https://www.manchester.gov.uk/helpinghands

Free SIM Cards in all Manchester Libraries:

Any Manchester resident (over 18 years) who is struggling to pay for data on their device can now get a free SIM that comes loaded with free data. SIMS come with free internet access for a total of 6 months, no monthly top up required. All you have to do is call into your local library.

Find out more and how to claim your SIM at the Let’s Get Digital Manchester site.

Free warm spaces in libraries across Manchester:

Every library in Manchester is a ‘warm space’, a free, safe place where residents can come in and stay warm all day in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Our libraries are packed full of resources and support for all ages:

• Free, self-service hot drinks
• Comfortable seating and welcoming spaces 
• Free Internet
• Free Wifi
• Newspapers

• Information and advice
• Staff who can signpost to other support agencies
• Digital drop-ins one day a week
• Under 5s story times once a week at 11am (ask your local library for more details)

Teams around the Neighbourhood and the voluntary sector have worked together to produce a booklets, which outline the hyper-local support available in neighbourhoods. These include food banks, warm hubs, befriending services and other offers.

Winterwise Information Booklet

Neighbourhood Winter Services Guide Cheetham and Crumpsall

Help with the Cost of Living Crisis from Manchester City Council