A Trafford councillor has backed a scheme which allows residents to donate some or all of their £400 energy support payment to struggling families. Coun Jo Harding, the authority's executive member for culture, leisure and strategic partnerships, says she is in 'total support' of the scheme at the Hope Centre in Partington.
The centre, which has a food bank and savings union and is supported by Trafford council, will match up willing donors to people in the community struggling to pay their energy costs. The idea came from the centre manager Ruth Lancey.
She said: “A lot of families are struggling at the moment and the situation is getting desperate. This is an opportunity for perhaps more well-off residents in our community to help those in dire need of help.
"Most people need the Government’s £400 to help them pay the bills, but I guess there are some who do not. We have families coming here for help with both mum and dad in work, but they simply can’t afford to make all their payments each month. It is an absolute crisis and we need to do everything we can to help.”
Coun Harding, who visited The Hope Centre recently to offer her help and support, said: “Many of our residents are relying on food banks to survive day to day and it has reached crisis point. Trafford Council has made taking people out of poverty a major priority and that is exactly what we intend to do.
“If you do not need your £400 and would like to help families or individuals struggling to get by, then please feel free to donate it to the Hope Centre. Your money could help someone in dire need. Thank you for all your support.”
To donate some or all of your energy support payment to the Hope Centre, go to www.hopecentrepartington.com/400. The Hope Centre, which is based on Wood Lane in Partington, also offers food at discounted prices and help and advice to those struggling.
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