SHDC and Citizens Advice team up on money support

Citizens Advice South Hams and South Hams District Council are "working together on a new autumn campaign to encourage residents to ask for help before money worries become a crisis".

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the help available as many households face financial uncertainty. The Crisis and Resilience Fund supports low-income households facing unexpected financial shocks, such as a sudden loss of income, an urgent essential cost, or a broken household item like a fridge or cooker.

South Hams District Council can also offer Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payments to people receiving Housing Benefit or the Housing Costs Element of Universal Credit who are struggling with housing related expenses.

The scheme provides additional support to help eligible households remain in their homes and manage essential housing related costs.

Residents can also get support to improve their longer-term finances, including checks for eligibility of benefit, help to manage Council Tax arrears with affordable repayment plans, and referrals to specialist partners for debt, energy, housing or budgeting advice.

South Hams District Council has provided funding for two additional Citizens Advice South Hams’ case workers to strengthen outreach support across the district, helping more people access advice closer to home.

Janie Moor, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice South Hams, said: “We know how hard times are for people at the moment and the rise in the energy price cap in October means as colder weather approaches household costs are set to rise yet again. That’s why seeking free and independent help and advice is so important.”

Cllr Nicky Hopwood, Executive Member for Service Quality at South Hams District Council, said: “As costs escalate, it only takes one unexpected bill, a change in income or growing arrears to cause a problem with finances and this can be very stressful. The most important message is that residents do not have to face this alone.

“By working jointly with Citizens Advice South Hams, we can together help people access free, confidential advice at an earlier stage, alongside financial support. Whatever the money worries are, we want them to know there is help available and that asking for support early can make a real difference.”

Mrs Moor added: “We know for some people it’s difficult to reach out and seek help, especially if you’ve been used to successfully managing your affairs, but we can all hit difficulties at any moment in our lives.

“Sometimes it’s a case of trying to keep your head above water while in danger of drowning in debt, or just not really knowing where to turn, but often there is help and support available to turn your situation around at an early stage.

“Our highly trained advisers are non-judgmental and all our advice is completely free, quality assured and always confidential.”

Cllr Hopwood advised: “If you are worried about money, please do not wait until things feel unmanageable. Contact Citizens Advice South Hams or South Hams District Council’s Financial Advice and Support Team as early as you can so we can help you find the support available.”

Get help Monday to Friday.

Contact Citizens Advice South Hams on 0808-278-7948 or visit www.southhamscab.org.uk for details of drop-in venues, times and dates.

Contact South Hams District Council by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the website at: www.southhams.gov.uk/crisis-resilience-fund.