Pennysmart CIC

09/10/2026

📢 Good news for small businesses and young people starting their careers!

Smaller businesses will receive £2,000 for every new young apprentice they take on, helping create more opportunities for young people to gain skills, experience and access rewarding careers.

The payment will be passed on automatically through apprenticeship training providers, making it easier for employers to benefit from the support.

A new and improved apprenticeships website will also provide practical guidance for employers on hiring apprentices, funding and support, while helping young people explore opportunities and understand how to apply.

If you work with young people, jobseekers or small businesses, now is a great time to share this opportunity and encourage them to find out more about apprenticeships.

Read more: Link via our bio or on our website >services/resources.php

06/10/2026

💷 Supporting people who are struggling with money worries in ?

👉 Refer them to PennySmart CIC for FREE, confidential advice on:
✅ Money management
✅ Debt problems
✅ Benefits and financial support

📧 [email protected]
☎️ 01244 651210
📱 WhatsApp/Text: 07934 901186

05/10/2026

05/10/2026

🚭 Quitting smoking could boost your health and your wallet.

The average smoker in the UK gets through around 10.4 ci******es a day. Over just 28 days, that's around 14½ packs of ci******es, costing almost £240.

Imagine what you could do with an extra £239.98 each month. Whether it's paying bills, building savings, or treating yourself, stopping smoking could make a real difference to your finances as well as your health.

Stoptober starts today 🚭

If you've been thinking about quitting smoking, there's never been a better time to take that first step. Make it to 28 days smoke free and you'll be much more likely to quit for good.

At One You Cheshire East, our free Be Smoke Free programme is here to support you with expert advice, encouragement and practical tools to help you succeed.

Find out more about Stoptober, our upcoming events and the support available: https://www.oneyoucheshireeast.org/stoptober-2026/

Let's quit smoking together this Stoptober.

05/10/2026

Struggling with energy bill debt? Don't suffer in silence.

If you or someone you support is finding it difficult to keep up with gas or electricity payments, it's important to know that help is available and you still have rights.

⚡ Energy suppliers must work with customers to agree an affordable repayment plan
⚡ You may be able to get a payment break, reduced payments, or extra time to pay
⚡ Some suppliers offer hardship funds and grants
⚡ Support may be available through schemes such as Warm Home Discount and other energy support programmes
⚡ Customers who need extra help may be eligible for additional support through their supplier's Priority Services Register

Ofgem is encouraging people not to ignore the problem. Contacting your supplier early can help prevent debts from growing and open the door to available support.

Referral partners: please share this information with clients who may be worried about energy costs. A conversation today could help prevent a bigger problem tomorrow.

Read more: Link via our bio or on our website at services/resources.php

02/10/2026

How to eat well on a tight budget

With food prices still putting pressure on household budgets, this helpful BBC Food article shows how it may be possible to eat for less than £2.35 a day by planning meals, reducing food waste, making the most of store cupboard staples, and shopping smartly.

For referral partners supporting individuals and families who are struggling financially, it’s a useful resource packed with practical tips to help stretch food budgets without compromising on nutrition.

✅ Budget-friendly meal ideas
✅ Money-saving shopping tips
✅ Advice on reducing food waste
✅ Simple ways to make food go further

Read the article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/How_to_eat_cheaply

If rising food costs are affecting your finances, remember that support may be available. PennySmart can help people access grants, benefits, discounts and other financial wellbeing support.

01/10/2026

💷 Could someone you support be missing out on Pension Credit?

Hundreds of thousands of eligible pensioners across the UK are still not claiming Pension Credit, despite it potentially being worth thousands of pounds a year and unlocking extra support with everyday costs.

Pension Credit isn't just extra income. It can also help people access:
✅ Winter Fuel Payment
✅ Council Tax support
✅ Housing Benefit
✅ Help with NHS costs
✅ Free TV licence (for eligible over-75s)
✅ And more financial support with household bills

Many older people assume they won't qualify because they own their home, have some savings, or receive a State Pension. However, it's always worth checking.

📢 If you work with older clients, service users, friends, neighbours or family members, please help spread the word and encourage them to check their entitlement.

Read more here: Pension Credit – What It Is and Who Can Claim It - on the website. Or our via our Resources on our website at /services/resources.php



Sources: Information about Pension Credit eligibility and additional support is available from GOV.UK Pension Credit.

29/09/2026

🎒 Could your child get free school meals?

If you live in England and receive Universal Credit, your child may be entitled to free school meals.

Free school meals can help families save money and ensure children receive a nutritious meal during the school day.

If you work with families or know someone who may be eligible, encourage them to check their entitlement today.

✅ Check eligibility here: Entitledto at help/free-school-meals
entitledto

A quick check could make a real difference to a family's finances.

28/09/2026

💷 Supporting people who are struggling with money worries in ?

👉 Refer them to PennySmart CIC for FREE, confidential advice on:
✅ Money management
✅ Debt problems
✅ Benefits and financial support

📧 [email protected]
☎️ 01244 651210
📱 WhatsApp/Text: 07934 901186

25/09/2026

🌧️ When life throws a curveball, savings can help soften the impact.

Unexpected costs such as a broken appliance, higher energy bills, or emergency travel can quickly put pressure on household budgets.

Having even a small emergency fund can help reduce financial stress and improve peace of mind. UK Savings Week is a reminder that financial resilience starts with small steps.