Cost of Living Support

​​Free SIM Cards in all Manchester Libraries: Any Manchester resident (over 18 years) who is struggling to pay for data on their device can now get a free SIM that comes loaded with free data! SIMs come with free internet access for a total of 6 months, no monthly top up required. All you have to do is call into your local library. Find out more and how to claim your SIM at the Lets get digital Manchester site 

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​Free warm spaces in libraries across Manchester: Every library in Manchester is a ‘warm space’, a free, safe place where residents can come in and stay warm all day in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Our libraries are packed full of resources and support for all ages:  

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​Free, self-service hot drinks  ​Comfortable seating and welcoming spaces   ​Free Internet  ​Free Wifi  ​Newspapers

​Information and advice  ​Staff who can signpost to other support agencies  ​Digital drop-ins one day a week  ​Under 5s story times once a week at 11am (ask your local library for more details).

​Find your local library and read about their library services ​ 

 

Free Manchester City Council Cost of Living Advice Line/Web page and Helping Hands ZCard:  

Free phone number 0800 023 2692, open 9:00-4:30 Monday to Friday providing advice around money management, debt, bills, food, travel and getting online. Agents on the phone line will have access to language line for those residents whose first language is not English. Sign Video will also be available for residents who may require this facility.  

 

 

An online form for the advice line and web page links about how to access a wide range of support are available at https://www.manchester.gov.uk/helpinghands. The A5 version of the Helping Hands ZCard Pocket guide attached can be distributed and displayed in your setting as required. The hard copy guides are about the size of a bank card and really useful to carry around. If you would like hard copy pocket guides to share with employees, parents and carers, please contact Marie Hall.