COST OF LIVING SUMMIT
Community groups came together for a Cost of Living Summit on the morning of the 30th September 2022 at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, Wrexham.
We Are Plas Madoc, FDF Centre for Independent Living, Art and Soul Tribe, Flintshire City of Sanctuary supported by TCC (Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru/Together Creating Communities) and Building Communities Trust worked together to organise the event.
You can read the full report as a PDF here:
The summit was hosted by We Are Plas Madoc, an organisation already supporting people through the crisis by organising social sessions, affordable activities, a transport scheme for people to attend GP appointments and get their weekly shopping.
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Charities, local groups, keyworkers and volunteers are at the front line of the current cost of living crisis and have supported people through difficult years with limited resource.
Jan Thomas - Chief Officer of the FDF Centre for Independent living
“Many disabled people depend on electric powered equipment stair lifts, oxygen machines, hospital beds, rise and recline chairs, mobility scooters and power wheelchairs. They cannot choose to turn these machines off, some of them would deteriorate rapidly without this support. Many have extra washing and drying because of their condition. We need help and we need it now.”
Jane Bellis - Art and Soul tribe
Jane worked across the region, asking groups she works with how they are affected.
Responses included a dad of four who is a student and is worried about winter fuel bills and can't turn his heating on, and a mum of two and full-time carer, working from home and struggling to pay bills.
Claire Pugh - Community Development Manager, We are Plas Madoc
“This is just the start of the conversation and will hopefully pave the way for improved communications and improved support to ensure no-one gets left behind during these difficult times"
We want the event to focus on diverse groups of people working together for positive solutions, creating a hopeful space focusing on what we can – and will – do together."