PEOPLE in Mid Devon, including Crediton, are £616,405 better off thanks to the work of their local Citizens Advice.

“They saved me from thinking that there wasn’t a way forward in everyday life, if it wasn’t for this service I don’t know where I’d be now!” quoted a recent client.

Local people in Mid Devon have benefited to the tune of £616,405 in the last six months from the help provided by their local Citizens Advice according to the last year’s analysis by the charity.

People have felt healthier and been left in a better financial position after the charity helped them deal with spiralling debts, claim support such as tax credits, and resolve costly problems with their energy bills and other consumer issues.

Citizens Advice Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon is run by 25 staff and more than 140 volunteers, who provide free, confidential and independent advice to help people overcome their problems.

In the last six months Citizens Advice offices in Mid Devon have helped more than 1,327 people with 1,871 issues, 35 per cent of these on Benefits and tax credits, 24 per cent Debt, seven per cent Relationships and family, seven per cent Employment and six per cent Housing issues.

After receiving Citizens Advice support, four in five clients felt less stressed, depressed or anxious, nearly one in two felt their physical health had improved, one in two had more money or control over their finances and nearly one in four had a more secure housing situation.

The charity regularly helps people who are at risk of being made homeless, most of which are struggling with debt.

In some cases people have avoided being made homeless when their landlord attempted to evict them illegally, or tackled debts that were making them feel stressed and anxious.

Vicki Rowe, Chief Executive of Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon Citizens Advice said: “Our volunteers and staff help thousands of people across Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon every year to find a way forward.

"At Citizens Advice we see first-hand the ways that people’s health and well-being are affected by circumstances in their lives.

"The help we provide local people can also contribute to savings for the public purse. By tackling people’s problems before they get worse, we can help to relieve pressure on government-funded health and housing services.

"People don’t have to suffer in silence - anyone who is grappling with a problem in their day-to-day lives should get in touch with us.”

A recent client quoted: "Citizens advice are life lines, in times of difficulty or confusion they are there, friendly helpful and making things clearer helping me find a way forward and reassuring. Thank you."

Anyone requiring advice or support can get help online at: www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk/tnmwd-citizens-advice or: www.citizensadvice.org.uk . Details of when the Crediton office is open can also be found on the website.

Advice and information is also available by calling the Citizens Advice helpline on 03444 111 444 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.