REGIONAL Minister Rosie Winterton has launched a one-stop guide to all sources of Government help for people and businesses in Yorkshire that are suffering in the economic downturn.

Her Real Help Now guide has been backed by Premier Gordon Brown as well as Local Government Minister John Healey and senior regional figures.

Ms Winterton aptly chose the region’s Business Link Yorkshire offices in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, to visit to promote the new guide through www.readlhelpnow.gov.uk, a new website which signposts businesses, individuals and families to sources of help, advice and support.

The Real Help Now booklet and website covers business help, housing, skills and training, jobs and benefits and help with money problems.

She said: “Our region is facing its share of challenges and Business Link Yorkshire is playing a vital role in delivering real help now and responding swiftly to some of the economic issues facing businesses. High-quality business support, directed to where it will have most impact to help businesses start, grow and succeed, is an essential weapon in our fight back to economic health.

“Crucially, this guide is just as focused on measures to help and support people and families and is tailored for Yorkshire and the Humber. “I know how devastating it is to lose your job or be under the threat of redundancy.

“These are areas covered by the initiatives within this new guide, along with issues such as dealing with mortgages, debt, skills training, and claiming benefits.”

Helen West, chief executive of Business Link Yorkshire, said: “Even in these difficult times, Yorkshire has extraordinary businesses with imagination and creativity who are adapting their products and services to find new and growing markets.

“Support through the Government’s Real Help Now initiative offers focused financial investment where it will most help businesses to succeed, while increased funding to develop skills is a route to higher productivity. We want to help organisations so that they are in the best position to survive the downturn and make the most of opportunities in the upturn.”