Five more cost of living community events will take place in Merton in 2024, providing vital advice and information to support people during the cost of living crisis.

To date, over 2,500 Merton residents have attended twelve cost of living events in our borough: six were held in 2022 and a further six in 2023. 

At events, residents are invited to come and meet community organisations and council teams in our libraries and Merton Civic Centre for in-person, one-to-one support.

Residents can speak to expert advisers about a range of topics including benefits, debt and money, energy saving, health and wellbeing, food and employment support. 

This year’s first event is on Saturday, 24 February at Wimbledon Library from 10.30am-1.30pm, followed by an event on Saturday, 27 April at Merton Civic Centre next to Morden Library from 10.30am-1.30pm.

The other events this year will take place in June at Pollards Hill Library, September at Colliers Wood Library and November at Mitcham Library. Please check the council’s website and follow on social media for the latest information.

Everyone attending the events will be offered a £10 supermarket voucher (one per household) providing direct and immediate support to those in need of assistance.

Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Billy Christie said:

“The cost of living crisis has not gone away – lots of people are struggling to pay their bills and many others have fallen behind after months of high energy, food and housing prices.

“I urge anyone who needs support to come along to a cost of living event in Merton; you can speak to advisers who can help check if you’re entitled to benefits and where you can save money.

“We recently added another £1 million to Merton’s Cost of Living Support Fund to continue to support people who need it, especially those on low incomes.”

For cost of living support and a link to the events page, visit: www.merton.gov.uk/CostOfLiving.