Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton wins a West Midlands Public Health Award!
On Saturday 20th May, the West Midlands Public Health Awards celebrated the contributions made by individuals and organisations working to improve public health outcomes across the region.
Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton were both humbled and thrilled to be amongst the nominees for an award for our Cost of Living Support Hubs that were set up as of 30th January 2023 across Dudley Borough to respond to the UK wide Cost of Living Crisis. We are delighted to announce that we were awarded Commissioning Project of the year for our Cost of Living Support Hubs to support individuals and families adversely affected and struggling with day to day essentials.
Recognising the urgency of the situation for thousands of people across the Dudley Borough, we set up the Hubs to provide poverty relieving information and guidance on how to maximise income and save money, including practical help relating to access to food, fuel and available grants/funds. By connecting people with these vital resources, the hubs have become a lifeline for those experiencing financial hardship.
Since the Hubs opened on 30th January 2023 we have achieved to date (as of 23rd May) the following staggering figures:
• Supported 4,236 people in the hubs
• Assessed and given to those eligible £266,250 in Household Support Fund
• Assessed and given 2,717 fuel vouchers (for gas/electric) worth £115,000
• Handed out over 2,000 period products
• Presented to over 4,000 people information and guidance on additional ways to save money, access benefits, help with Energy bills etc
We are extremely proud to receive the award, it not only honours the dedication and hard work of our team at Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton but it also raises awareness of the vital need for cost of living support. This award is testament to our ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on people’s lives, when they need us the most.
We would like to extend our thanks to all staff and volunteers who have poured their passion and expertise into making the hubs a success. Furthermore, we extend our appreciation to our funders, who’s generous support has made this project possible. We would also like to express our gratitude to the hub venues that have provided the essential spaces for us to operate.
If you are a Dudley Borough resident and need cost of living support, access to our Hubs is via booking a ticket on Eventbrite: https://CA_DudleyandWolverhampton.eventbrite.com