HOUSING provider Abri, which has run food-related initiatives in Chard, is urging residents to access affordable online cost-of-living support, writes Ryan Collins.

The company, based in the south of England, is on a mission to bring together different agencies, skills, knowledge, and service provision to ensure residents are supported in the midst of the ongoing cost of living crisis.

They are also on hand to provide advice as well as match residents’ needs with support provided by local Somerset charities, voluntary organisations, and third-party partners, with a recent focus on tackling rising food costs.

Recently, Abri has begun running a range of food-related initiatives around Somerset, including two in Chard; the Savvy slow cooking group and the Good Grub Club.

The Savvy slow cooking group is a collection of free six-week cookery sessions involving a demonstration of using a slow cooker to make budget-friendly, healthy family favourites.

Similarly, the Good Grub Club is a free cooking group run during the school holidays for families on low incomes, offering hands-on experience in preparing and cooking a meal before enjoying it together.

Sophie Clark, community development officer for Yeovil at Abri on their new schemes said: “The cost-of-living hub provides a one-stop shop for -people struggling with bills and wanting to find out what help is available locally.

“Often that help is needed in person, and we’ve seen a real surge in interest in groups geared towards tackling the rising costs of purchasing and cooking healthy and nutritious food.”

For information on support available and tips to help your finances go further, Abri’s cost of living hub is available here.