AM hosts public session on making money go further

THERE was plenty of help and support on hand for members of the public passing through the St Elli Centre last Thursday, as a series of local organisations teamed up to provide a ‘one-stop-shop’, offering confidential advice on a series of matters including finance, housing, benefits, debt, employment and wellbeing.

Organised by Mid & West Wales Assembly Member Eluned Morgan and supported by local MP Nia Griffith and AM, Lee Waters; the free event offered a unique opportunity for people to address several issues in one go with face-to-face support from experts and elected representatives.

The Welsh Government’s energy efficiency scheme ‘NEST’, ‘Save Easy’ Credit Union, Citizens Advice Bureau and local voluntary organisation, ‘Links’ were among some of the names present to support the venture.

Speaking about the busy session, Labour AM Eluned said: “I was delighted to see many people taking advantage of the wide range of information on offer.

“We all face circumstances from time to time where we need a bit of help, whether it’s an unexpected crisis or a change in circumstances. As bills continue to rise, many are finding that their household budgets are squeezed and for those lower incomes, the changing benefits system and the increasing cost of living is making life much more stressful for people – that’s why we felt it was so important to make this information and advice as easily accessible as possible. This was the 6th in a series of these focused sessions organised by my office across the Mid & West region and I am pleased to say that all have so far proven to be engaging, beneficial and popular.”

Eluned’s regional money and wellbeing advice sessions will continue, with the next scheduled to take place in Ystradgynlais in May.