HELP and advice will be on offer for those managing on a shoestring at an event in Salisbury next month.

City charity Safer and Supportive Salisbury is running an afternoon showcase at the Guildhall on Thursday, September 5, between noon and 6pm.

Organisers said it will feature “lots of ideas, help, support and advice to help everyone to ‘thrive’ on a shoestring”.

It is aimed at anyone who might be juggling costs, bills and outgoings on a tight budget.

The event will be officially opened by Salisbury Mayor Cllr Sven Hocking at 12.15pm.

There will be live cooking demonstrations all afternoon from chefs James Butterfield and Fiona Ollerhead, with advice and tips on cooking from scratch, making the most of leftovers and a ‘Challenge the Chef’ with a Ready, Steady, Cook! box from the city foodbank.

“It is all aimed to help feed a family nutritiously but economically as well,” a charity spokesperson said. “There will be a chance to taste the goodies too.

“There will also be a harvest sharing table and information on Salisbury Foodbank, Salisbury Pantry and Old Sarum and Longhedge Community Pantry.

“In our ‘gifting and giving’ corner there will be local crafters demonstrating how to make beautiful Christmas decorations and gifts ‘on the cheap’ from odds and ends purchased in charity stores.

“There will also be ideas on making lovely home-made wrapping paper and gift tags. Alongside this, there will be a ‘coping with Christmas’ sharing table with decorations and gifts.”

For financial advice, Barclays Bank, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Acorn Community Bank, the DWP and Community Money South will be on hand to answer questions and give advice on a one-to-one basis.

There will also be presentations from Age UK, Acorn Community Bank and the Foodbank.

Warm and Safe Wiltshire will be at the event to give advice on heating bills as winter approaches and the Bobby Van team will be there to give advice on home security.

Transport help on a budget is offered by Community Transport and the Wiltshire Council Families and Communities team will be there to talk about how they can support local families and individuals.

The Salisbury Soroptimists will be serving tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits all afternoon.

Entry to the event is free and all are welcome.