‘Beating the Squeeze’ booklets launched in Filey and Eastfield to help those affected by the cost of living crisis

Operation Cracker, along with Carers Plus, has launched a directory of organisations providing vital community support to keep people healthy and warm during the current financial crisis.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the Filey and Eastfield Police Neighbourhood Policing Team and Scarborough Fire and Rescue Service have issued informative booklets.

They have become a vital part of their strategy of delivering advice on a wide range of subjects, including home security, drugs and alcohol, and safety in general.

Titled ‘Beating the Squeeze’, the latest booklet - which has been produced in collaboration with Carers Plus and designed and printed by McCain Foods - is a directory showcasing the local organisations that are providing the much-needed support for local people.

The booklets are being distributed by teams of police officers, police volunteers, Community Safety Officers and partner agencies in the Filey and Eastfield community through door-knocks, roadshows at garden centres and supermarkets, agricultural shows and local galas.

They are also being distributed by partner agencies at their own community events and on websites.

Inspector Andy Short, of Filey and Eastfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “As part of Operation Cracker, in collaboration with Scarborough Fire and Rescue Service, we have run numerous campaigns over the past four years which help to alert the public about important issues such as personal safety and home security.

“Particularly with the cost-of-living so high, we hope that the new ‘Beating the Squeeze’ booklets will be very useful to the community and act as a trusted source of information they can refer to at any time of year to obtain the advice and support they need to get through these difficult times.

“An important part of the job of the Neighbourhood Policing Team is to work closely with our community partners to protect and care for vulnerable people who need our help.”

James Green, Plant Manager at McCain Foods, said: “After the success of Operation Cracker’s previous booklets created to support elderly people, in areas such as fire safety and cyber security, we are delighted to continue our partnership by providing support to our local community this winter.”

Elizabeth McPherson, Chief Executive Officer of Carers Plus said: “This winter is going to be challenging for all of us; we recognise there are so many unknowns in terms of how the cost-of-living will affect our homes and lifestyles. Through these booklets we wanted to bring you a range of information, contacts and ideas to help you tackle the months ahead.”

The booklets initiative forms part of Operation Cracker, a wide-ranging partnership including drawing in support and expertise from different organisations, including North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Crimestoppers, McCain Foods, Signs Express, McDonald’s, This is the Coast, NatWest Bank, Carers Plus, Beyond Housing, Westway Open Arms, Age UK, Futureworks NY and Eastfield PACT.