A new initiative from Hackney Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has been launched to help people make ends meet following the coalition government’s benefit changes.

Hackney Money Smart has received five-years of funding from the Big Lottery and will see specialist financial officers advise tenants of social registered landlords about financial skills, money management, employability and improving their IT skills.

People who had already benefitted from the project spoke at the launch at Hackney Central Library in Reading Lane, attended by Hackney’s elected Mayor Jules Pipe and Hackney’s MPs, Diane Abbott and Meg Hillier.

One of them said she had needed advice when hit with changes like the bedroom tax and council tax reduction.

“I didn’t know what to do and I was so stressed,” she said.

“My adviser helped me to look at budgeting and I felt so relieved and better able to cope.”

Project Manager Rashid Seedat said many people struggling to make ends meet with the rising cost of living and continued job insecurity had approached them.

“It can also be difficult for people to understand what the many confusing benefit changes from central government will mean for their household budgets,” he said.

“It is crucial that we all continue to work together to give Hackney residents practical support to help them deal with money and debt problems.”

For more information call 020 8525 6354 or email hmsreferrals@eastendcab.org.uk.