Carer Allan Leonard on the challenges of accessing help and support

Travel expert Simon Calder shares travel tips ahead of the summer holiday season.

The Easter break is an opportunity for many people to get away for a few days, but it’s important to know your rights before you go. Richard Williams of the Consumer Council explains why prevention is always better than cure when it comes to travel and highlights what you need to consider before your getaway. With schools off, it can also be a challenging time for families. Chris Briggs from Employers for Childcare explains what support is available and how to access it. Kathleen Toner explores the situation for foster parents in Northern Ireland and what financial support there is for families considering fostering. We hear regularly from listeners struggling with deliveries or couriers. James Stinson of Ofcom, which regulates the sector, explains why new guidelines should improve things for consumers. If you bought electrical goods online do you know how to check whether they’ve passed safety tests? Giuseppe Cabana, engineer at Electrical Safety First, shares some horror stories of dangerous hairdryers, blenders and chargers and explains how you can keep yourself safe when buying electrical goods.

Linda asks the experts about your consumer questions: Listener Glenda bought a new kitchen, but says it has never been right and the best way to open one of the cupboards is to turn on the extractor fan; Tommy bought a car that broke down while he was out shopping and hasn’t seen it since; John’s mother’s pension was stopped without warning, despite him twice filling out forms he was asked for. Electrical Safety First have some tips for buying electrical goods online and Linda visits a spring home safety event at Belfast City Hall.

More people than ever are having to use private healthcare which could mean more people getting into debt, according to the Royal College of GP's in N Ireland. We hear from Philip, who went private when he needed treatment for cataracts, his optometrist Brian & Dr Julie-Anne Little, Chair of the Association of Optometrists NI. Community organisations across the country are warning of the devastating impact that the closure of an EU funding stream could have. The EU’s European Social Fund was worth around £40m every year in Northern Ireland, but ends on 31st March as a result of Brexit. The sector is warning that Westminster’s replacement funding stream doesn’t fill the gap, putting jobs and services at risk. Community Foundation NI CEO Roísín Wood and Claire Meenehan of Include Youth explain what the loss of funds will mean for organisations and people here. We look back to the Helplines NI awareness event at Stormont, and look ahead to Belfast City Council’s spring safety event which is offering tips on home security and a cyber security audit.

Linda and guests discuss what the 2023 Budget means for people in Northern Ireland.

The Consumer Council’s energy expert Raymond Gormley explains what the Energy price Guarantee actually means. Consumer Guru Jimmy Hughes on listener’s problems; from washing machines to car troubles and Diana Valentine from the European Consumer Centre on the pitfalls to be aware of when buying tickets for The Rugby World Cup.

Listener Rebecca got in touch after getting a parking ticket. She’s a Blue Badge holder and after struggling to find a suitable parking space in Belfast, thought she was safe to park in a loading bay. She checked the rules online and left to enjoy an evening out. She returned to find a ticket and contacted On Your Behalf when her appeals were denied. Nuala Toman of Disability Action and IMTAC’s Dermot Devlin discuss what needs to be done to improve parking options for Blue Badge holders. Sue Holderness (Marlene Boyce, Only Fools & Horses) recounts her experience of being scammed and highlights a new Scam Bingo game aimed at increasing scam awareness among over 65s. Victim Support NI CEO Janice Bunting explains what support and advice is available for victims of crime.

Raymond Gormley, Consumer Council energy expert, talks through several listeners’ questions around the £600 energy vouchers. Paula moved house and is worried she’ll miss out, Robert says his mother’s voucher was delivered to the wrong address and Philip is treasurer for a church and is worried the Rectory is ineligible. Pat Austin of National Energy Action joins the conversation. Following a listener’s question about how to fund residential care for their parents, Brenda Kearns of Age NI talks through everything you need to consider when that decision is approaching. Linda visits Community Advice Newry, Mourne & Down where a booklet full of cost of living tips has been produced.

Linda McAuley champions the cause of consumers in Northern Ireland, helping them to solve their problems, make the right choices and avoid the pitfalls - contact the show with your consumer and benefits queries: Write to: OYB BBC Ormeau Avenue BELFAST BT2 8HQ Listener Line: 02890 338314 E-mail via the website: www.bbc.co.uk/oyb