Countless organisations attended the event, giving valuable advice to residents
The Member of Parliament for Hull North and Cottingham, Dame Diana Johnson has hosted a community drop-in event, offering cost-of-living advice and support to her constituents. A number of organisations, both local and national, had stalls at the event providing expert advice on topics ranging from healthy eating to avoiding loan sharks.
The event, which was organised by Dame Diana and her team, was held at The Community Room at the Orchard Centre off Orchard Park Road on Friday, October 24. The attending organisations included Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue, and Hull City Council.
The two hour event was well attended with people from around the Orchard Park area. Many present were pleasantly surprised by such a high turnout.
One of the stalls at the event was held by Stop Loan Sharks, a national organisation that raises awareness of borrowing money from loan sharks. The organisation, which began operating in Birmingham in 2004 before becoming national in 2010, also intervenes to stop loan sharks and has written off over £90 million of illegal debt. Anyone who needs advice on loan sharks can, in confidence, call 0300 555 222.
A number of stalls gave advice and support on household safety, with free Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors being given out at the event. Humberside Fire and Rescue Service had a stall providing advice on how to avoid electrical fires and discussed the importance of working smoke alarms.
Also at the event were the three local councillors who represent the Orchard Park ward. The ward is represented by Councillors Deborah Matthews and Rosie Nicola from the Labour Party, and the leader of the council's Independent Group, Cllr Gary Wareing.
Speaking to the Hull Daily Mail, the Labour Party MP, Dame Diana discussed the success of the day, saying: "I'm delighted with the turnout. It's the first time we've held such an event and like when you hold a party, you set it up and hope people come, and they have! It's been brilliant."
"I think it shows people are wanting to get information and are wanting to access services and help," she added before confirming interest in holding similar events in the future. "After today I think it looks like it's been a real success and we'll think about doing this again, definitely."