“A fantastic opportunity to meet organisations offering vital support with debt advice, food assistance, energy costs, and grants.” – Paul, Local Councillor
“There was some great information at the Cost of Living Fair. I visited the Queen’s Park Community Organisation stand and discovered that if my boiler breaks down, I get priority for a call-out as I have kids under 5 years old in the house.”- Emily, Visitor
Organisations from across Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire such as Citizen’s Advice, Money and Pensions Service, Harpur Trust, Better Housing, Better Health, Greensand Community Energy, Impakt, Flitwick Community Fridge, Christian’s Against Poverty, Barclays Bank, bpha, Amplius, Bedford Borough Family hubs and Central Bedfordshire Libraries were all there to offer advice.
“We were delighted to attend the cost of living fair organised by Bedford Credit Union. We spoke to people on how to reduce their energy costs.” – Queen’s Park Community Organisation, Exhibitor
Bedford Repair Cafe and Share:Flitwick and Ampthill spent the day fixing items visitors brought along, keeping things out of landfill and saving their owners the cost of replacing them. Share Bedford and Share: Flitwick and Ampthill introduced visitors to the Library of Things, now open in Bedford Library and at the Rufus Centre in Flitwick, encouraging Bedfordshire residents to borrow rather than buy and save money in the process.
“Being part of the Cost of Living Fair was brilliant. Our Fixers had 17 repairs and fixed 15 of them! It was good to chat to people who weren’t aware Bedford had it’s own repair cafe too.” – Bedford Repair Cafe volunteer
Bedford Craft Swap traded wool and other crafting supplies with visitors, and there was a book swap too. Visitors shared their money-saving tips, with the best winning a prize generously donated by Longholme Cafe and Kiosk in the Park, while families played “Pass the Piggy Bank”.
“Where I come from, we don’t tell people if we’re struggling, we don’t ask for help. So it’s great to come here and see all the support people can give and ask for without shame.”- Anon, Visitor
The Cost of Living Fair helped visitors to discover local support they had not previously known about, but it was also an opportunity for those organisations to meet and discuss how they can work together, forming a network of support to the county. Local Councillors took away information to share with their constituents, meaning the message of the fair will spread to more residents in the future.
“A really useful Cost of Living Fair today. So many organisations both offering services, support and advice as well as listening to the many different challenges a lot of people are facing.” – Lucy, Local Councillor
