Derby residents are being invited to a series of drop-in events offering practical advice and support to help with the rising cost of living.

Over the coming weeks, Benefit Awareness and Support sessions will take place across the city providing a friendly, welcoming space where anyone can get help with a wide range of issues including household bills, energy costs, benefits, and health and wellbeing advice.

Each event brings together Derby City Council, the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP,) and local organisations. Advisors will be on hand to make sure residents are  getting all the support they’re entitled to, whether that’s help with managing energy bills, claiming benefits, or finding wellbeing and community resources.

No appointment is needed, and everyone is welcome to drop in at any of the sessions listed below:

  • Newmount Methodist Church, Blagreaves Lane – Tuesday 4 November, 10am–12noon
  • Alvaston Library, London Road – Friday 7 November, 10am–12noon
  • Lonny Wilsoncroft Community Centre, Stepping Lane – Tuesday 11 November, 2.30pm–4.30pm
  • Lister House Surgery, St Thomas Road – Wednesday 12 November, 1pm–4pm
  • Sinfin Moor Church, Arleston Lane – Monday 17 November, 10am–2pm
  • Firs Primary School, Raven Street – Tuesday 18 November, 3.30pm–5.30pm
  • Leisure United Derby Racecourse, Off St Mark’s Road – Wednesday 19 November, 10am–1pm

Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Public Safety, said:

Last year, an incredible £583,000 was delivered to Derby residents thanks to our Pensioner Advice Events, and this year, we’re aiming even higher!  Even if you’re not eligible for extra benefits, there’s still so much to gain from the events, tips to keep your home warmer, advice on health and safety, information on what support is available and what groups are happening in your area - you may even make a new friend or two.”

Greener Littleover has attended previous events as a partner and shared the impact that the events have had on previous attendees:

One lady lived in a house with her family including young children, she had bubble wrap on the windows trying to keep the heat in.  She had been so keen to get her curtains done that she was at the door at 9:30am as we opened up the event. She had walked from Blagreaves and back to ensure her curtains would be done. When we returned the curtains to her she was so pleased and impressed at the result that she started to cry. She also shared that she had made several contacts and gained additional advice from the morning that would help her.

A second lady shared that after the event, having explored the option to switch to a more economical utility supplier that advise you when free energy is available, calculated that the advice, tips and equipment she gained from the day is likely to save her on average £60 a month.”

Greener Littleover said:

Greener Littleover has been passionate about supporting these events right from their inception back in the summer. For us, it’s about making sustainability practical and accessible—helping residents cut costs while also reducing their environmental impact. By working together with the Council and other partners, we can show that greener choices don’t just benefit the planet, they also mean warmer homes, smaller bills, and healthier communities. We’re proud to play our part in building a fairer, more sustainable Derby.”

You can learn more about Greener Littleover and the work they are doing on their website.

To learn more about what cost of living support is available in Derby, visit the Derby City Council webpage or the Community Action Derby online cost of living support page.