March's one Swale roadshows

Published Wednesday 6 March, 2024
Last updated on Monday 18 March, 2024

People struggling with the cost-of-living crisis can get advice and support at events being hosted by Swale Borough Council this month.

The council, in conjunction with Swale CVS and Faversham Community Networking Group, have organised the fifth round of the One Swale Roadshows.

These roadshows bring together organisations and charities who offer crucial support all into one safe space, that residents in need can access.

March’s roadshows will offer general support and advice, but previous month’s themes included fuel and emergency support, debt, financial and benefits advice and health and wellbeing.

The organisations who can assist residents may vary across the events, but includes: Swale Community and Voluntary Services, Citizens Advice Swale, RSPCA, The Harmony Therapy Trust, The Princess Project, Dogs Trust and Brogdale CIC.

The roadshows have helped more than 750 people with things like receiving food and fuel vouchers, reducing their water bills, learning how to access the household support fund, health checks and much more.

The March roadshows will be hosted from 9:30 to 11:30 on:

1. Friday 8 March 2024, Diversity House ISP House, Church Street, Sittingbourne ME10 3EG
2. Tuesday 12 March 2024, Eastern Sheppey Community Hub, Leysdown Road, Leysdown-On-Sea ME12 4RD
3. Thursday 21 March 2024 Sheppey Gateway, 38-42 High St, Sheerness ME12 1NL
4. Tuesday 26 March 2024, West Faversham Community Centre, Bysing wood, Faversham ME13 7RH

The One Swale Roadshows are partly funded by the UK Government's Household Support Fund and Swale Borough Council.

Cllr Richard Palmer, chair of the community committee, said:

“These roadshows have provided important support to over 700 people in need, whether helping our residents overcome debt, get health advice or receive food and fuel vouchers.

“Our officers have worked incredibly hard to create a safe and welcoming space that helps people feel comfortable to ask for help and confident they will receive judgement free support.

“I would also like to thank all the charities and organisations that attended the roadshows and helped make the events such an amazing success.

“We value the hard work the voluntary sector does to help our community and we want to continue working together with them, with more roadshows to come, to make Swale a better place.”