Cost of Living
Manchester has been one of the UK cities hardest hit by the cost-of-living crisis. Rising food prices, energy bills, and inflation have disproportionately impacted low-income households, with many families forced to choose between heating and eating.
According to the Greater Manchester Poverty Monitor, more than 1 in 3 children in Manchester are living in poverty, and thousands of residents regularly access foodbanks and emergency financial aid.
Alongside this economic hardship, many racially and culturally diverse communities still experience exclusion from mainstream services and a lack of representation in decision-making.
This can lead to disconnection, mistrust, and a sense that cultural identity is not respected or celebrated within public services.
Our Cost of Living & Cultural Support programme responds to both of these challenges — providing essential resources while nurturing cultural identity, wellbeing, and belonging.
What the programme does
This programme combines practical support with cultural enrichment, ensuring families and individuals not only survive difficult times, but feel empowered and seen within their communities.
Key areas of delivery include:
Aid
Emergency support for families and individuals struggling to meet basic needs, including food parcels, household items, and hardship payments
Education
Community events that celebrate cultural identity, heritage, and inclusion — helping build shared understanding and reducing isolation
Support Sessions
Group workshops and drop-ins providing guidance on budgeting, energy savings, benefit entitlements, and local support services
Support Groups
Safe spaces for peer-to-peer community members to share experiences, advice, and emotional support, with a focus on solidarity and mutual aid
Career Development
Practical skills training in managing money, avoiding debt, and improving financial confidence, alongside employment support to build longer-term stability
This programme is delivered through trusted community settings, ensuring that support is accessible, culturally competent, and driven by the real needs of local residents.
The change we hope to see
Through this programme, we aim to:
Building Skills
Build Confidence: Helping individuals feel more in control of their finances, identities, and futures.
Personal Growth
Strengthen Communication: Creating safe spaces where diverse voices are heard and respected.
Civic Responsibility
Foster Resilience: Supporting households to navigate hardship with dignity, hope, and community care.
Social Mobility
Develop Leadership: Encouraging participants to take an active role in community events and initiatives.
Wellbeing Support
Enhance Problem-Solving: Equipping people with tools to make informed decisions and access support independently.
Aligned with our Holistic Development Model, this programme bridges urgent need with long-term growth — empowering families not only to cope, but to thrive in culturally rich, resilient communities.