This week’s edition of Suffolk Money Podcast was recorded live at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds, at BBC Radio Suffolk’s Rising Cost of Living Support Fayre. Here, Colin spoke to host of experts, all providing free advice on how to cope in these challenging times and sign-posting additional support.

Presenter Wayne Bavin of BBC Radio Suffolk hosted the event, with producers Vic and Katherine also on hand to talk about the issues affecting our community. 

Amongst the many organisations ready to offer help and advice was Peter from Menta, the enterprise agency that provides support for small local businesses. Peter spoke about the challenges many businesses are facing, with rising energy bills and costs of supplies squeezing their margins. 

To find out more about how Menta can help, please visit https://www.menta.org.uk

Sarah at Still Good Food spoke about the environmental work this charity does; reducing food waste by redistributing surplus food from supermarkets, producers and farmers, to the local community through their shops in Bury St Edmunds and Great Barton. They help people who are struggling with costs, who can buy food that is still good to eat at very low prices. Please visit https://www.stillgoodfood.org to find out more and for shop opening times.

Mike from Anglia Care Trust talked to Colin about how the Trust assists people, whatever their circumstances, by providing high quality advice, guidance and support services. People can self-refer from website https://angliacaretrust.org.uk and also contact the team by telephone on 01473 622888.

Emily from Crem Recruitment explained how her local recruitment agency helps people get back out to work, championing agency work as an excellent temporary option, which can often lead to a more permanent role. They help people put together their CVs and are very happy to chat on the phone – you can call one of their friendly consultants at the Newmarket office on 01638 661789, email jobs@cremrecruitment.co.uk or visit https://www.cremrecruitment.co.uk for more information.



Sarah from Citizen’s Advice West Suffolk also was keen to talk about helping people save money and increase their income, by looking at benefits, and tips such as keeping a weekly spending diary. For more information visit https://suffolkwestcab.org.uk

Access Community Trust is a local charity based in Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds, and Neil spoke about how they work with people from all ages and backgrounds. They provide support with career options, food budgeting and wellbeing amongst many other services. More information can be found at https://www.accessct.org

Gracie and Holly from Save Money Cut Carbon told Colin about their exciting e-commerce business. Their goal to help businesses and customers save money and cut carbon, through sustainable products for both domestic customers and businesses, is truly inspiring. Find out more at https://www.savemoneycutcarbon.com

Fuel efficiency and saving money on heating, energy and lighting was the hot topic when Colin met

Molly from West Suffolk Council and Matthew from Suffolk County Council. They explained how the Councils are helping people struggling with their household bills and avoiding the terrible heating / eating conflict, with grants that are available for home owners and landlords whose tenants are on a low incomes or in receipt of qualifying benefits. Residents can register their interest and check if they are eligible for the scheme by calling 03456 037 686 or visiting https://www.warmhomessuffolk.org