RESIDENTS in need are being encouraged to reach after two vital services in Launceston have teamed up in an effort to improve access to financial advice.

For the past year, Community Money Advice Launceston and Launceston Foodbank have been working in partnership in the hope to support vulnerable residents needing monetary advice.

The scheme builds on the two services’ pledge to provide support to the community.

A spokesperson from Community Money Advice (CMA) Launceston said: “Many local charities and organisations work closely within Launceston to support the local community and Community Money Advice Launceston is no different. They have been working within our community for since 2012; working closely with other organisations such as Launceston Foodbank to support those in need, especially as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit local families hard.”

During the past year CMA have been holding regular, fortnightly sessions at Launceston Foodbank, every other Wednesday, offering support with budgeting, helping to get out of debt and helping to apply for benefits. There are many streams of support through the charity, which is supported by a small team of caring, expert volunteers; including helping to spend less and save more through better understanding of budgeting. These sessions, at Launceston Foodbank, are run by appointment and are an extension of the services already offered at the CMA offices at Sheers Barton.

Community Money Advice Launceston centre manager, Sarah Vinson has expressed that sessions are aimed to help those who may not be aware of the free support available to them through CMA.

She explained: “These sessions are aimed to help and support those who may not yet know of the free support and services we can offer for those struggling with their finances. We have worked closely with Launceston Foodbank for many years, and this is just one of the ways we can work in collaboration to support those in need.”

Launceston Foodbank manager, Yvonne King has stressed the value of these sessions in providing support to those in crisis, and in reaching the organisations’ shared goal of alleviating financial poverty in Launceston and its surrounding villages.

She said: “The valuable contribution CMAL offers to assist the foodbank in supporting those in crisis is a great example of our towns supportive collaborative working. Offering help with food parcels and advice in one venue keeps stress at a minimum for clients. The foodbank’s working partnership with CMAL is extremely important in our strive to alleviate financial poverty ”

Following their success, the two organisations have announced that these fortnightly sessions are set to continue into the summer months. Appointments can be made for the foodbank sessions by either contacting Community Money Advice Launceston or speaking to the team at the foodbank.

Alternatively, those who may be struggling, or people who know of someone who is in need of support can make appointments with the Community Money Advice Launceston Team at their offices based at Sheers Barton, by calling direct on 01566 777 407.