Bolton residents are urged to take advantage of free money-saving advice at a cost of living drop-in event this Saturday, November 5.

From 9.30am to 1.30pm, The Albert Halls will host the first of two sessions offering guidance to visitors on ways to make food, fuel and money go further.

Dozens of local organisations will be on hand to provide tips on budgeting, energy advice, financial guidance and even cooking demonstrations - Including:

• Bolton Council’s Money Skills Service: Debt advice and energy guidance

• Urban Outreach: Cook on a budget with slow cooker demonstrations

• Department of Work and Pensions: Benefit advice and finding work

• Citizens Advice Bury and Bolton

• United Utilities: Advice on water bills

• Electricity Northwest Limited: Energy saving advice

• Bolton at Home: Money and debt advice

• Bolton Care and Repair: Advice on adapting homes for independent living

• Bolton Digital, Employment and Skills: Learning new skills

• Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service: Heating the home safely

• Supported Steps: Mental health support for those in financial difficulty

• Bolton Markets: Shopping local

• Hoot Credit Union: Ethical borrowing and combating illegal lenders

• Age UK Bolton: Advice for Bolton’s over-50 population

• Healthwatch Bolton: Healthcare rights and choices

• Starts With You: Money and welfare advice, IT skills

• Play and Youth Service: Holiday Activities and Food programme

A second session will be held on Wednesday, November 9 from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

Anyone unable to attend either day, can also access support and advice on the council’s dedicated cost of living website.

Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “We know that the rising cost of living is a concern for everyone in Bolton, and it is great to see so many organisations coming together to offer support and guidance.

“With tips on everything from saving on bills to cooking on a budget there is sure to be something to help everyone save money this winter.

“I would urge everyone to come along and to visit the new website to find out more.”

The event organisers also want to find out more about how the rising cost of living is affecting residents, and to understand what more support may be needed in the future.

Attendees at the event will be invited to share their views on the day or complete an online survey.

The first hour on each day will be aside for people who require a quieter time, including people with autism, learning disabilities or sensory and communication disorders.

For more information about the cost-of-living drop-in events, contact moneyskills@bolton.gov.uk or call 01204 331968.