MULTIPLE charities attended an event in Poole over the weekend to offer advice to those struggling with financial issues.
Organisations, including foodbanks, community pantries, money advisors and more, attended the event in St James’ Church in Poole on Saturday, November 12.
People were on hand to offer advice to those struggling with the cost of living crisis, paying their bills or mortgages or even struggling to feed their families.
Groups who attended include Citizens Advice Bureau, Shelter, Live Well Dorset and many more.
Organiser Gill Payne said: “This is born out of the fact Erika Sloper [Poole Waste Not Want Not] and I both run food charities where we have people who are in food poverty.
“The problem isn’t food for those who come to us in food poverty; there is always something else going on and that could be anything.
“What we have done today is bring together all our support partners in one place. Those who need support don’t have to go online or make a phone call: they can meet somebody face to face.
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“It’s all a one-stop shop to grab a pizza and advice.”
Erika Sloper from Poole Waste Not Want Not said: “We support the journey with money management. We are a social supermarket offering fruits and vegetables and wholesome meals.
“We also have a coffee shop where people can come along and have a drink and make friends. Often people won’t talk to anybody else, so they come to us to access warmth and a meal.
“It’s not just people in poverty or on benefits that are struggling. There are people with jobs who are coming to us saying they are struggling with mortgages, buying food etc.
“She’s bought food on her credit card which means she has nowhere to go because her credit card is maxed to the limit.
“She feels embarrassed and ashamed, but we like to remind people that they are not on their own.”
The event also had free freshjly homemade pizzas on offer courtesy of Purbeck Pizza.
Owner Tim Kidney said: “We raised over £4,500 during covid to fund coming to places like these.
“People love pizza and the reception has been great.”
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