Cost-of-living support at new Citizens Advice kiosk

CITIZENS Advice Mendip has opened up new self-service kiosk at the Frome Library, to let people contact an adviser by email or phone, or access information about the support available in the cost-of-living crisis.

The kiosk is open in the library Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

Chief executive of Citizens Advice Mendip Ian Byworth said, “With increasing numbers of people struggling with the cost of living, we’re opening up these kiosks to provide greater and easier access to our advice services. It’s important for people faced with rising costs to know that there are ways we can help.”

Other kiosks have already been set up in Mendip and as part of a rolling programme, three more will be set up in the next two to three months at Frome Town Council, Shepton Town Council, and Wells Town Hall.

Feedback has shown that people like the anonymity and ability to access information at a time that suits them. Other kiosks have been set up at the Portway Annexe in Wells, the Crispin Centre in Street and Glastonbury Library.

To help people deal with the current cost of living crisis Ian said, “Are you getting all the support you’re eligible for? It’s worth finding out whether you are getting the right benefits and support with living costs. Even if you are in work, you may still be eligible for Universal Credit (in Mendip 40% of people claiming it are in employment). Citizens Advice main website, www.citizensadvice. org.uk has a benefits calculator and advice on how to increase your income and reduce living costs.

“Check your incoming and outgoing money: if you’re finding it hard to stay on top of your bills, it’s a good idea to check what money you’ve got coming in and going out each month. Citizens Advice have an online budgeting tool that can help with this, www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/budgeting/budgeting/work-out-your-budget/

“Energy Bills Support Scheme: until March this year, you will continue to get £66 a month off your electricity bill. This will be applied automatically by your energy company, and you won’t have to repay it. If you have a pre-payment meter, you’ll get the discount via vouchers in the post or by email, or through an automatic credit when you top up at your usual top-up point. If you have a smart pre-payment meter, the credit will automatically be added to your meter.

“Dealing with an emergency – need food or unable to top up your prepayment meter?  If you can’t afford the food you need or the gas and electricity, Citizens Advice Mendip may be able to provide some support, depending on your circumstances.”

You can access free, independent and confidential advice from Citizens Advice Mendip by visiting their website, www.citizensadvicemendip.org.uk