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Where to find advice and support

The cost of Living crisis is affecting many local households, we know it can feel overwhelming at times but there is advice and support out there.

Find out about some local initiatives offering support such as the Leighton-Linslade Community Agent on our Advice, support and wellbeing page.

Below you can find links to local organisations who may be able to offer further help.

Print Central Bedfordshire Council have created a keeping warm page with advice on how to keep your house warm this winter and grants that you might be entitled to. They also have a dedicated cost of living webpage with lots of advice and help available with things like:

  • Paying your bills
  • Support with your income
  • Benefits
  • Employment
  • Housing support
  • Risk of becoming homeless
  • Foodbanks
  • Universal credits and childcare costs

Citizens Advice Logo

 

 Citizens Advice Leighton-Linslade are able to offer support and guidance for anyone who is struggling to  pay bills or looking for confirmation they are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to.

 

 

Leighton Linslade Helpers

Leighton Linslade Helpers run a food bank, the local community Fridge and offer lots of support to those in need, for example supermarket or fuel vouchers. Visit their website to find out more and self-refer for help.

Homeless The Community Food Bank can be accessed via referral through Social Services: https://www.llhsblackhorse.org.uk/ 

Warm Spaces Feb

Where are our warm spaces?

Cgs Community Cafe

The Church of the Good Shepherd is offering a “Warm Welcome” drop-in on Wednesday mornings from 10am -12pm at Astral Park Pavilion, Johnson Drive.  They are offering a warm community space with free refreshments, board games and a space to relax.

Freddie & Friends

Freddie and Friends CIC will be offering free food for families attending their sessions or community cafe at Pages Park Pavilion on weekday mornings. Just quote “Sunshine” to access this offer.

Meadow Way

Meadow Way Community Centre is holding a ‘Check in and Chat Cafe’ Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12pm-4pm. Keep warm and have a chat over a coffee and hot meal.

Chatty Cafe Promo Image

The Chatty Cafe every Tuesday at the TACTIC Centre, Hockliffe Street from 10am-1pm. Refreshments and a cup of tea whilst chatting and making friends.

Cbc Warm Spaces GraphicAs temperatures fall this winter, Central Bedfordshire Council’s leisure centres, libraries and other community venues can provide you with a free, warm and safe space.

In Leighton Buzzard these are located at:

Leighton Buzzard Library, Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1RX. 0300 300 8059. Open Tuesday & Thursday  9am-6pm and Saturday 9:00 – 16:00.

Leighton Buzzard Quakers, Friends Meeting House, 25 North Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1EQ. Open Tuesday afternoons 1pm-3pm from 6 December 2022 – end of February 2023. They will provide hot drinks and biscuits, but will also have cups of soup if there is a demand.

Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, Mentmore Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 2AF. 01525 375765. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 6am-10pm. Saturday 7:30am-7pm and Sunday 07:30am-9pm.

What changes can you make..

There are changes you can make at home to help ease the strain on your energy usage. For example:

  • Set your washing and dishwasher to eco setting
  • Draught proof any gaps
  • Close your curtains to maintain heat
  • Don’t overfill the kettle
  • Turn off lights when not in a room
  • Only run your dishwasher when it is full
  • Switch your appliances off standby
  • Avoid the tumble dryer where possible

For more energy and water saving tips:

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/
https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/
https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/

Don’t forget you can also contact your energy provider directly for help and support.

Find out more about what we as a Council are working towards in regards to climate change.

Are you interested in having an allotment or growing your own food?

Allotments in Leighton-Linslade

Leighton-Linslade Town Council have two allotment sites, both sites currently have waiting lists. You can submit an online form to add yourself to the waiting list and find out more here.

Why not give growing your own a go at home?

One of the biggest advantages of growing your own food is that it can save a considerable amount of money. It can also improve your health due to consuming more fruits and vegetables and is known to be a natural stress reliver!

Not sure where to start? 

Why not come along to volunteer at the Community Garden at Parson’s Close Recreation Ground? All abilities are welcome, learn how to grow you own fruit and vegetables and new skills! Interested? Drop in to a session or contact 07702 941445 / molly.rice@groundwork.org.uk

Websites to check out for tips and tricks:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own
https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/
https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CBCwaste/