Sandwell Council is reminding residents to sign up to its new WhatsApp service to receive messages containing advice and tips on saving money, reducing bills and how to seek help if they need it.

The service is in addition to the Council’s Supporting Sandwell information hub, where residents can already access advice and information.

To sign up for the service, people can add the council’s 07585 997453 mobile number as a contact and then text the word YES to it.

A WhatsApp webpage provides guidance for those who need to know how to add a contact.

To unsubscribe from the service, text STOP to the same number and allow up to 48 hours to stop receiving messages. Sandwell Council Leader, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, said:

“We’re using WhatsApp to reach people directly with cost of living advice.

“We hope that people will find it useful. The messages will cover subjects including energy saving, money advice, our Warm Spaces, finding work and how to seek help if you need it.”

Advice and information on the cost of living is available on the Council’s Supporting Sandwell information hub at sandwell.gov.uk/supportingsandwell.