Ryedale District Council has partnered up with Citizens Advice North Yorkshire and Community First Credit Union to launch a new scheme to help financially vulnerable citizens.
Ryedale citizens vulnerable to the cost-of-living crisis could access practical help and advice along with grant or loan support via the launch of Ryedale District Council’s financial inclusion project.
Working with Citizens Advice North Yorkshire (CANY) and Community First Credit Union (CFCU), the Council is helping set up a series of schemes, funded by a one-off revenue fund/grant, that will ensure the best route to CANY services and funding and provide opportunities for CFCU small loans and a district-wide outreach programme. The schemes run for a year and includes:
A CANY information and advice service running one day a week from Ryedale House, Malton. A dedicated Generalist Adviser will offer free, confidential and independent advice open to all residents facing financial difficulties – either face to face or appointment via telephone every Tuesday. Call 0808 2787900 for more information.
From 1 February, a CFCU Outreach Operation based at Ryedale House, Malton runs each Wednesday for a year. Access to the Credit Union will be available from Ryedale House and the service will visit community centres and organisations throughout Ryedale, building awareness and offering training to residents facing financial difficulties.
The creation of a Hardship Grant Fund which will be disbursed to residents in crisis or imminent crisis as a result of cost-of-living increases. More information can be found at www.ryedale.gov.uk.
People can apply for interest-free loans from Community First. By becoming a Community First account holder, people can apply for such loans – borrowing up to £500, based on affordability and availability.
A one-off £4,000 donation spread among local charities and organisations tackling the cost-of-living crisis in Ryedale.
The Council will announce further details as and when the near-future schemes are launched, but for any general enquiries about the Financial Inclusion project please contact housing@ryedale.gov.uk or call 01653 600666 ext. 43625.
Carol Shreeve, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice North Yorkshire said: “We are extremely proud to be part of this important project. We encourage people across the Ryedale district who are struggling financially to get in touch as soon
as possible, to have a look at their options.”
