COST OF LIVING CRISIS - SUPPORT & INFORMATION
Flitwick Town Council recognises the 'Cost of Living Crisis' is impacting our community in many different ways and want to offer as much support as we can to help residents through these difficult times. On this page you will find information on initiatives and links to other support available in the area.
The Town Council is grateful for the support of local businesses with the cost of living initiative including Pyrolec, Flitwick Club, Brookes Barbers, The Co-op, Costa Coffee, Flitwick, Tesco and Aldi, and to CBC Councillor Gareth Mackey for a Ward Councillor grant to support the project.
If you need support with the cost of living crisis please do get in contact with us and we will see how we can help. You can give us a call on 01525 631900, email communityservices@flitwick.gov.uk or pop into The Rufus Centre and speak to one of our friendly team. Alternatively, come and see us at the free Community Hub, Dunstable Road, open every Wednesday from 12.30pm to 7pm.
COMMUNITY FRIDGE
The Community Fridge is open:
9am to 8pm - Monday to Friday and Saturdays 9am to 2pm (subject to availability)
We are asking visitors to the fridge to tick which items they are taking so we can better understand the needs of the community. Forms are at reception. We would be really grateful if you can help us with this.
You can check what we have available each day by following the Flitwick Community Fridge Facebook page. Additional opening times will vary depending on stock levels.
Pop in any time between the hours above (until stocks last) and help yourself, but we do ask that you only take what you can use.
We also have limited dog & cat food available. Please speak to one of the Community Services Team if you need support with this.
The equipment required to set up the Community Fridge initiative has kindly been funded by Central Bedfordshire Ward Councillors; Councillor Charles Gomm and Councillor Neil Bunyan.
Find out more about the Flitwick Community Fridge and how you can get involved by visiting the Community Fridge website page.
THE NEED PROJECT
The Need Project works through a number of churches in Central Bedfordshire and can help people facing financial hardship with support such as:
- Providing food packages to support individuals and families who are experiencing food deprivation.
- Providing other items to meet immediate and essential needs, as resources allow.
- Developing other forms of support to meet immediate need and alleviate financial hardship.
The Need Project only take referrals from statutory bodies (e.g. Social Services, GP units, Children’s Centres etc.) or recognised community groups (e.g. local churches and other religious organisations, schools, etc). You can find a list of who you can talk to about a referral on their website using the link below:
FLITWICK FOOD EXTRA
Flitwick Food Extra is organised and run by members of Flitwick Parish Church and the local community, the team provide boxes of pre-measured ingredients and recipes to support families.
Get in touch with Flitwick Food Extra by email: foodextra@flitwickchurch.org
FLITWICK COMMUNITY PET PANTRY
Flitwick Community Pet Pantry is a new, not for profit, pet food pantry run by volunteers. Just pop along to Medivet Flitwick ( 47 The Ridgeway, MK45 1DJ ) between 12pm-2pm on a Saturday and a friendly member of the team will help you. Visit their Facebook page for full details via the link below.
CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE COUNCIL
Central Bedfordshire Council website has a comprehensive guide to support available for anyone facing financial difficulty. Access information, advice and benefit entitlement calculator using the link below.
CITIZENS ADVICE MID BEDFORDSHIRE
Mid Bedfordshire Citizens Advice offer advice and help if you are struggling with the cost of living. The organisation is also one of the Town Mayor's charities this year.
ST MARY'S ECO-SHOP COMMUNITY HUB
A Eco-Shop Community Hub is open at St Mary's Church Hall, Church Road, Maulden, MK45 2AU on Wednesdays from 9am to 4pm and Saturdays 9am until 12 noon. It is open to all, not just Maulden residents. There is no price list so you can either give a donation of what you can afford or receive items free of charge.
WARM CLOTHING & BLANKETS
We have a wonderful range of blankets, hats, scarves and hand warmers made with love by our Stitchers Group and friends. If you would like a selection to help keep you warm please get in touch by calling 01525 631900 or email us and we will be in touch.
We will also have a supply of blankets available to pick up from the Community Fridge area at The Rufus Centre.
FLITWICK COMMUNITY JOB HUB
The Flitwick Community Job Club offers helpful and friendly advice on applying for jobs, CV writing, interview techniques, workshops and more. The Job Club is now held at different locations to encourage more people to attend.
WARM SPACES
Different organisations offer warm spaces for people to visit during the for winter.
Churches in Flitwick and Ampthill produced a handy guide to all the sessions which you can access using the link below.
Central Bedfordshire Council has a list of warm spaces in Flitwick and the whole of Central Bedfordshire on its website including Flitwick Library and Flitwick Leisure Centre. Click here for more details.
FREE EVENTS
The Council continues to organise free events such as the Community Movie Day for Flitwick residents so you can spend time with us and entertain the children in the school holidays or come and meet with friends and use our energy instead of yours! Follow our Facebook page for all the latest information or visit the What's On Community Calendar.
Our third free cooking course starts on 16th April 2024. The cooking course is for parents/guardians and their children. The courses take place at the Village Hall and run for six weeks. To book your place call 01525 631900. The courses are funded by environmental charity Hubbub.
