Cost of living fairs in Bedfordshire aim to tackle money taboos

Two cost of living fairs in a county aimed to lift “the taboo of wanting to save money and to be thrifty”, said their organiser.

Bedford Credit Union is running the events in Bedford and Flitwick to help people struggling to cope with rising prices.

The not-for-profit community bank, which is owned by its members, will be on hand to offer advice, tips and show people how to manage their money, as well as local and national organisations, charities and other community groups.

Katrina Allen, the bank’s marketing manager, said: “It’s not just for people on the bread line, it’s for everyone feeling [the pinch] in their pockets.”

Ms Allen, said she wanted the events to help anyone seeking to cut down on their spending.

“The cost-of-living crisis feels like it has been going on for a long time, people are still struggling out there.

“It’s not just to help people with money savings, Credit Unions have a responsibility to preach thriftiness, but also to show how you can access the support and advice.”

A free mini repair shop will be hosted by Bedford Repair Café and Share: Flitwick & Ampthill, where people can bring along broken items to be fixed by volunteers.

Share Bedford and Share: Flitwick & Ampthill also run a library of items that residents can rent for a small fee rather than purchasing them.

Craft and book swaps will also be on offer.

Citizens Advice will also attend alongside banks and housing groups, job advice and family support groups.

“It’s really about lifting the taboo of wanting to save money and wanting to be thrifty, wanting it to be something that anyone in the town would be proud to be part of,” said Ms Allen.

The Cost of Living Fairs will take place on 29 March at the Harpur Suite, Bedford and on 12 April at Parkside Hall, Ampthill.