As fuel costs rise, pregnant women and families with young children in Bradford District and Craven can get free financial help from Hope4U.

As of 1st October 2024, gas and electricity prices have risen by 10%, causing financial pressure and worries for many local families with young children.

To support these families, Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership and Bradford Council have partnered with Hope4U – an organisation that aims to eradicate poverty and improve financial sustainability.

Hope4U help eligible families tackle the immediate problems they are facing, but also to help with underlying issues, this could include help with benefits or a free home energy survey and advice to lower bills. Households expecting a baby or with children under one can also access £50 supermarket vouchers.

This partnership has enabled Hope4U to support 3,935 families in the last 15 months and has helped these households to access (by increasing benefits or a grant) and save (through energy efficiency) over £2.5 million in total.

A single mother in Bradford recently used Hope4U and saved £435 and had a benefit uplift of £4,786. This was through accessing the benefits she is entitled to, saving money on energy bills, receiving housing support, and filling out forms correctly.

You can get in touch with Hope4U by emailing NGN@HOPE4U.co.uk, calling 0330 320 2140 or visiting www.hope4u.co.uk.

Hope4U is a non-judgmental service that will offer families with financial worries some much needed relief. You can also go to one of the wellbeing hubs in Bradford District and Craven, these are open Monday to Friday and provide welcome, safe and confidential spaces for people to access financial, mental and physical health support. The wellbeing hubs are:

• Thornbury Hub at the Thornbury Centre, Leeds Old Road, BD3 8JX 01274 665598
• Manningham Hub at Manningham Mills, Lilycroft Road, Bradford, BD9 5BD 01274 594173
• Tong Hub at the Sutton Centre, 51 Kyffin Place, Bradford, BD4 8NB 01274 668881

For more support with rising costs, see the Energy and Bills page.