Cost of living: 'Top tips' to Nottingham shoppers amid rising costs

The event was held at the Salvation Army's base in Sneinton

A charity is running workshops in Nottingham to help people shop more effectively amid the cost of living crisis.

Supermarket Sweep aims to be a fun and engaging way of learning to shop on a budget.

An event at the Salvation Army in Sneinton on Friday featured advice on budgeting planning weekly meals.

Run by charity Direct Help & Advice, it is hoped more will be held across the city in the near future.

Maureen Davison (right, with benefits and advice coordinator Alison Parnell) says the scheme is about helping people in need

As well as advice on which products to purchase and how best to plan trips, the sessions also featured taste tests between budget and premium products and advice on cooking.

Maureen Davison, community development manager at Direct Help & Advice, said she hoped people would "think twice when you next step into the supermarket" after showing residents ways to manage and plan their shopping trips.

"It's [about] not getting caught out," she said.

"Supermarkets play on your emotions - it's your sense of smell, so they're cooking nice fresh bread, and they put it right at the other end of the supermarket, and so of course you're going to walk down those aisles, and along the way you're going to see all those bargains at the end of the aisles."

Ms Davison said being aware and planning what you need before entering is key to avoid overspending on unnecessary items.

"It's really important to make that shopping list, plan your meals, think about batch cooking," she said.

"My top tip is, wherever possible to take cash - if you've only taken £50 because that was your budget, you can only spend £50."

Katie says balancing the books has become more difficult in recent years

Katie, 35 and from New Basford, said the workshop would help to work with the "absolutely appalling" cost of living crisis.

"The meal planning, we're actually going to do that for next week," she said.

"Last year I found out [rising costs] were hitting everyone hard - luckily I had friends, [and] my partner supported me through it all, but if it wasn't for them I wouldn't be here now."