WHEN people come to us for our help, they are often at crisis point. One problem has multiplied itself into lots of problems and the end result is that people feel totally overwhelmed, exhausted and, very often, fearful.

The simple message this month is don’t let it get to that stage before you come to us for help.

Everyone is affected to some degree by the cost of living crisis.

Everyone has seen their every day bills increase and gloomy predictions about the autumn budget suggest it is going to get worse, not better.

We can help people before potential problems escalate.

For example, our specially trained energy team can advise on strategies to conserve energy and help keep costs down.

If you are concerned about potential debt issues, our debt team can help you structure a manageable budget, prioritise your payments and advise you as to whether you are likely to be able to negotiate reduced bills for some utilities.

We can also run a benefits check to see if you are entitled to claim any benefits, even if you are working.

There is a wealth of information available on our local website: www.citizensadvicetnmwd.org.uk and you can also check out the National Citizens Advice website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk .

You will find links for more detailed information and on our website, you can view our library of advice columns which we send to local publications monthly, focussing on particular issues and outlining the advice we give.

We are not just here to help people solve their problems, we have the means to help people prevent their problems too.

If you are worried about what the winter might hold for you, just take a few minutes to browse our website and see if it provides some food for thought.

It will cost you nothing but potentially, it could help you nip a potential problem in the bud.

Increasingly, more and more people are coming to us for help – more than we are able to deal with.

We are constantly working to make it easier for people to find their own solutions to problems by providing information and links on our website and sometimes signposting to other more specialised organisations.

Our volunteers, however, are crucial to enabling us to help people face to face, on the telephone or via video appointments.

If you would be interested in becoming a trained volunteer with us, there is information on our website or you can contact: [email protected] .

Our volunteers receive ongoing training and support and will tell you that for them, volunteering provides an opportunity to make new friends, gives them new skills and the satisfaction of being able to help people in our local community.

Rosanna Teale

CEO and Trustee Support Officer

Citizens Advice Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon