Helping to support the cost of living

In partnership with the Norfolk Community Foundation we helped deliver the first social supermarket in the East of England – The Burrell Supermarket, which is now supporting nearly 1700 people. Each week they are saving 40% on their food shopping!

We have also created the first rural mobile food store in the country supporting over 1100 people. In addition to low-cost food, the bus team provide advice and over 150 onward referrals for professional help, resulting in over 70 direct financial awards.

Supporting survivors of Domestic Abuse

We have built a strong partnership with Daisy Programme, a Breckland based charity supporting male and female survivors of domestic abuse. With funding from Breckland Council, this partnership has supported over 1000 survivors of domestic abuse and their families and helped to train over 50 ambassadors, raising awareness and helping prevent people affected experiencing further harm.

Our investment has also enabled the Daisy Programme to secure additional funding to launch the Rowan Project within Breckland, providing further support for sexual abuse survivors living within our district.

Social Prescribing

We are commissioned to deliver social prescribing by Mid-Norfolk PCN, serving 7 GP surgeries in the Dereham and surrounding areas. Our staff help residents access support which will boost health and wellbeing without the need for medication medicines. Almost 600 residents have been referred to social prescribing in the last year.

Find out about Social Prescribing by scanning the QR code or visit www.breckland.gov.uk

/Social-Prescribing

Reducing isolation in our community

Our Silver Social project is now being delivered by Creative Arts East, protecting protecting its legacy, and enabling the development of highquality arts activities in rural communities. At the point of handing over, we had 400 residents signed up to participate, breaking down isolation in the community and making friendships via the arts for life.

Next steps for 2023/24?

We are investing £450,000 to extend our Inspiring Communities programme for a further 2 years, expanding its services to help residents by services by funding debt advisors, based at our offices in Dereham and Thetford, which who work closely with residents who are struggling financially and may have housing concerns.

We also intend to expand our welfare service to residents, including a pilot project in Watton, working with patients of Watton Medical Practice. Our funding will also help drive a new pilot Social Prescribing project with the Norfolk and Norwich University, supporting patients in Breckland and helping to reduce admissions to A&E. For more information about Inspiring Communities visit www.breckland.gov.uk/community

Supporting residents with the cost of living

As your district council, we are working hard to support residents by providing early intervention services through our £1m Inspiring Communities programme (see p 4&5), working closely with a range of partners to boost funding and the availability of help (see page 3), and empowering residents by providing the latest advice and information.

Here are just some of the ways that we – and our partners – can help you.

For a list of support services visit www.breckland.gov.uk/community/energy-bills-housing

Council Tax reduction

You can apply for a reduction in your Council Tax bill if you're on a low income or claiming benefits. Visit www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/breckland for more information.

Rental payment plan assistance

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If you are struggling with rental costs and need help in arranging a payment plan with your landlord please contact us for advice via www.breckland.gov.uk/housing or call us for further support.

Impartial guidance from Citizens Advice

Free, impartial advice on debt, benefits, employment and housing issues. Get in touch directly via freephone 0800 144 8848 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk 3

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Community banking support

Credit unions offer an alternative to traditional banks and building societies for saving and borrowing. They can sometimes beat the rates on the high street. Take a look at local options at www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk

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Social tariffs can help cut costs

Anglian Water offer tariffs for low-income households which can offer up to 50% discount on water and sewage charges. Just call the Extra Care Team on 0800 232 1963 to discuss switching tariffs.

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Healthy, cost-effective food

Our Breckland Mobile Food Store (or ‘Food Bus’) brings affordable, nutritious food and household essentials, plus an information, advice and guidance service to towns and villages across Breckland. Find out more at www.breckland.gov.uk/BMFS

Visit your free community fridge

Pick up free surplus food and prevent food waste by visiting your nearest Breckland Community Fridge: www.breckland.gov.uk/CommunityFridges 7

Warm Homes Fund

If you are in receipt of certain benefits, have high fuel costs, or have underlying health issues, you may be able to get help from the Warm Homes Fund: www.breckland.gov.uk/housing-grants

Scan here to find out more