The Rainbow Foundation in Wrexham is encouraging residents to come forward for support with the cost of living.

More than a third of Welsh households are struggling to heat their homes, this is almost 50 per cent higher than the British average.

Current pressures on UK households mean that 24 per cent are struggling to keep warm, 15 per cent struggling with rising food costs and 50 per cent say winter pressures are impacting on their physical and mental health (ONS figures, released January 30, 2023).

The Rainbow Foundation – previously the Rainbow Centre – has been tackling loneliness and isolation whilst promoting good health and wellbeing for more than 27 years.

Based out of three community wellbeing hubs in Penley, Marchwiel and Chirk, The Rainbow Foundation delivers a range of interventions including day opportunities, home care and support, rainbow meals, social prescribing, community outreach, social groups, transport and volunteering.

The Rainbow Foundation’s Community Agents are seeing evidence of this on a weekly basis, and whilst they cannot solve the current cost of living crisis, they can help.

Examples include residents not being able to afford to pay gas bills and limiting showers due to the cost. 

READ MORE: 

Delays in payments from the Department of Work and Pensions are making the cost of living crisis even more difficult for many. 

Community Agent Carla Lovell said: “A lot of my clients used to get taxis to cafes and have a cup of tea to natter with their friends, but they cannot afford to do that anymore. More and more people are becoming isolated and living in a single room in their homes as that is all they can afford to heat.

“Despite pension credit delays, it’s important that people claim it, as it unlocks entitlement to wider benefits and support, including vouchers towards the cost of glasses."

Carla added: “While we cannot stop costs rising, what we can do is ensure that people are getting as much financial support as they are entitled to and are able to access funding that can help them through this difficult time. You don’t need to feel alone, The Rainbow Foundation are here to help in any way that we can.”

Ian Pope, operational director at the Rainbow Foundation, said: “Our Community Agent service provides free advice, information, and support for the over 50’s in our local communities. We can help people to maximise their income, reduce their loneliness and isolation and help them take control to improve their health and wellbeing. 

"There is no need to struggle in silence as there is so much we can do to support. Not only through our team of community agents, but also through our day opportunities service, lunch clubs, Rainbow Meals and many support groups and drop-in sessions. So please come forward if you need support.”