A Practical Guide for York Residents Urged to Maximise Their Income as Part of York Talk Money Fortnight

It’s a familiar story for many households across York. The weekly food shop costs a bit more than it did last month, the energy bill seems to creep up, and the weekly budget feels tighter than ever. When you’re juggling everything, thinking about money can be stressful. But what if there was support available that could genuinely make a difference? The City of York Council is encouraging residents to explore exactly that, with a special two-week event designed to help people get a better handle on their finances and find any extra income they might be missing out on. It's all about making sure everyone in the city has the help they need when struggling financially.

What’s this York Talk Money thing all about?

From 2-15 February, the York Talk Money fortnight is back. Think of it as a friendly, city-wide MOT for your finances. Run by the City of York Council and a whole team of local partners like Citizens Advice, Peasholme Charity, and Age UK, the aim is simple: to provide practical help and advice to the residents of York. It's not about lectures or complicated spreadsheets; it's about real, useful information that can ease some of those financial pressures. Many people find the idea of seeking financial advice intimidating, but these events are designed to be approachable and supportive for everyone.

The campaign focuses on three main things:

• Getting all the help you’re entitled to: There’s a surprising amount of funding and support out there, from government benefits to local grants. The problem is, it’s not always easy to know what you might be eligible for. This initiative helps people navigate the system.

• Reducing your outgoings: A big part of managing money is looking at where it goes. The experts at these events can share tips and resources for cutting costs on bills and other essentials, making that weekly budget stretch further.

• Getting advice when you need it: Sometimes, a bit of expert guidance is all that’s needed. Whether someone has a specific question about a benefit or just needs to talk through their options, there’s local help available.

This initiative is a key part of the council's commitment to financial inclusion, ensuring that every resident has access to the tools and knowledge needed to manage their money effectively. The goal is to make conversations about finances less taboo and more productive, providing resources that can lead to real positive change.

A bit of extra money can make a big difference

It’s easy to think that claiming a small benefit or grant won’t change much, but the numbers tell a different story. In just the last six months, the council’s benefits advisors have helped nearly 200 York residents find an average of £3,369 in extra income per year. That’s an extra £280 a month. For a family, that could be the difference between just getting by and having a bit of breathing space. It could cover a full food shop, pay for kids’ school trips without worry, or simply mean there's a safety net for unexpected costs. It’s a significant amount of money that people were entitled to all along but just weren't claiming.

Cllr Katie Lomas, the council’s Executive Member with responsibility for Financial Inclusion, knows that many people are missing out on this vital help. She explained:

“We know that hundreds if not thousands of people in York are not getting the money they’re entitled to. Working out what grants and benefits you’re eligible for can seem daunting, but we – and partners across the city – are here to help and with increasing financial pressures, every bit really can make a difference to your weekly budget. I’d urge anyone who’s worried about their finances, or who thinks they may be eligible for funding they’re not claiming, to pop along to one of our drop in sessions during York Talk Money Fortnight or check out more information online.”

Where to find this helpful advice

Getting this free advice is straightforward. The York Talk Money campaign is holding a couple of pop-up events where residents can just drop in for a chat. There’s no need to book an appointment, and there will be plenty of practical resources and even some free giveaways. It’s a great, informal way to get some expert help. It’s important for residents to know that there are local people ready to offer support without judgement. The city council and its partners are keen to make these events as welcoming as possible.

Here’s where the team will be:

• Wednesday 4 February (1.30pm - 4.30pm): Monks Cross Shopping Park, Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York, YO32 9GX.

• Wednesday 11 February (1.30pm - 4.30pm): Morrisons Supermarket, Foss Islands Road, York, YO31 7UR.

If those dates don’t work, there are plenty of other ways to get help. The Live Well York website is packed with information, and there’s also an online Benefits Calculator. This handy tool can give you a quick idea of what benefits and grants you might be eligible for. All someone has to do is enter some basic information about their circumstances, and the benefits calculator does the rest. For those who prefer talking to someone, they can ask for information at any local community centre, find a 'Worrying About Money?' leaflet in Explore Libraries, or ring the council’s customer services team on 01904 551556 to be pointed in the right direction for local services.