People worried about the rising cost of living and the impact of welfare reform can get help, advice and information at a 'pop up' shop in Wolverhampton's Mander Centre on Friday (30 August, 2013).

Based next to BHS on the Mander Centre's ground floor, the shop is the latest initiative by the city council and its partners to help local people cope with the biggest changes in welfare in 60 years.

Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "We've just completed a 10 day tour by our 'benefit bus', bringing help, advice and information to our hardest hit communities.

"The shop is another way Wolverhampton's organisations are getting together to help people at a time when they are struggling to make ends meet.

"Benefits are changing at a time when the costs of essentials like food and fuel are rising and many families are saddled with debt. It's really important that people get advice on how to cope before things get out of hand and they feel forced to take on really expensive loans, or worse, deal with loan sharks.

"Our main aim with these initiatives is to help people avoid financial crises."

The pop up shop will be open from 9am to 5pm and is staffed by advisers from the council's welfare rights team, Wolverhampton Citizens' Advice Bureau, Wolverhampton City Credit Union and Job Change 2007.

A helpline is also available weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 01902 572006.

  • released: Wednesday 28 August, 2013