​Northern Ireland Housing Executive teams up with magazine to deliver cost-of-living support

85,000 social housing tenants will receive a special edition of Quids in! magazine with advice on saving energy, making the most of tight budgets and managing money during these unprecedented times. 

Quids in! magazine cover, Northern Ireland edition, featuring presenter and writer, Gail Porter

The 16-page mag features presenter and writer, Gail Porter, who bravely shares her struggles with debt and the feelings of dread when she heard bailiffs at the door. There are useful tips on cutting energy around the home, managing meals on a budget, and even talking to kids about money.

​The magazine highlights ‘quick wins’ such as checking if you are eligible for benefits when £15 billion remained unclaimed last year.

​Quids in! was launched in 2008 as a means of reaching those struggling the most with money in an accessible and engaging way.

Hundreds of social landlords have now purchased the magazine in bulk, distributing them free to social housing tenants. Over 240,000 Quids in! magazines, guides and e-newsletters have gone out to people on low incomes across the UK in the last 12 months alone. 

Jennifer Hawthorne, Director of Housing, Northern Ireland Housing Executive said: “We work throughout the year to support our tenants with advice and information about the issues that affect them most. Over the last six months we have focused on the cost-of-living crisis and provided a bespoke advice centre on our website which tenants can access 24/7.

“Our annual tenant magazine, Streets Ahead, which is delivered directly to the homes of our tenants, also includes lots of information about the services and support they can access for help and advice. Quids in! provides us with a further opportunity to share important information with our tenants about managing finances and meeting the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis."

Jeff Mitchell, Founder and Managing Director of Quids in! said: “Times are tighter than they’ve ever been. It’s good to make energy savings but, this year, we’ll need to think bigger than bills by looking at our finances in the round. This means using a budget planner to check our outgoings are not more than our income, using a benefits calculator to check we are claiming all we’re entitled to and getting savvy online to make the most of all the savings there. For some of us, despite our best efforts, this won’t be enough and that’s when it’s time to ask for help. There’s no shame in it - we all struggle at times.”
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