Support hub to help struggling households ahead of winter

Support hub on Isle of Man to help struggling households with rising winter costs

A drop-in service will offer targeted support to households on the Island that will struggle with the rising household costs inevitable through the winter period. 

The Salvation Army will host its Winter Support Hub on Saturday, October 3, at its church and community centre on Isle of Man Business Park running for three hours from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. Information and guidance will be available on a range of subjects such as managing energy costs, keeping warm as temperatures dip, and ways households can make financial changes as more people are pushed into poverty, struggling to make ends meet. 

Offering free, friendly and confidential support, The Salvation Army’s debt advice team will hold the event to support the hardest hit people within the community. Partner organisations will also attend the drop-in event providing a one stop shop of support, easily accessed all under the same roof. Manx Utilities, Isle of Man Housing Agency, Island Energy Group and Age Concern are just some of the agencies that will be on hand to offer support as well as getting health and wellbeing advice and food assistance. 

Debbie White, area debt advice co-ordinator for The Salvation Army Isle of Man said: “Through our ongoing service we have discovered that many of our clients have negative budgets and know that this will also be reflected within our wider community. Going into the winter months when energy bills inevitably rise, budgets will be stretched and finances will be shifted so many people will feel the pressure and we want to help put plans in place to limit the struggles and so household budgets don’t buckle. 

“Inviting partner organisations along and signposting people in the right direction is key. We know for many people taking that first step and asking for help takes a lot of courage and supportive networks can give people the strength to get the assistance that they need. Organisations working together to offer time, knowledge and commitment truly makes a difference and we’re proud to be able to offer that level of support.”

The Salvation Army’s debt advice service is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is available to everyone within the community, offering one-to-one support with debt advisors working alongside clients to look at what they owe and make a realistic plan for repaying debts. The service can also contact creditors on a person’s behalf and explore and negotiate available options such as repayment holidays and marked its fifth anniversary at the end of 2025.

For anyone seeking debt advice or anyone worried about bills that are in arrears or struggling to meet regular monthly payments, The Salvation Army can be contacted on (01624) 675702 or via email at iomdas@salvationarmy.org.uk.