The Footprint Trust’s ‘Winter is Coming’ event was a great success despite the physical event being cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The popular annual event was planned many months ago when the pandemic was in retreat, and organisers hoped that the event would help those affected by the recent lockdown.
Help and information was instead made available online via Facebook Live. Information included reducing utility bills, benefits and allowances and dealing with debt and money matters.
9 local organizations were to be in attendance from various bodies including the Isle of Wight Council, Citizens Advice, Age UK, People Matter, The Footprint Trust and the local Foodbank.
Some 100 people engaged with the Facebook Live event, hosted by Citizens Advice. The stream can be replayed at https://www.facebook.com/Winteriscoming20. Another 1,000 people have watched the replay since the event.
The Footprint Trust, who organized the event with Citizens Advice IW, reported that some 10,000 people had seen notifications on Facebook and via Twitter. This lead to an influx of calls from the public.
Those wanting help or guidance can make contact by phone or email: Islehelp [email protected] Adviceline: 0800 144 88 48 or The Footprint Trust: [email protected] phone: 01983 822282
Well done to all the organisers!