Dorset Council and Dorset Citizens Advice have launched a new campaign encouraging residents financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to seek support before things become more difficult.
Support if you are financially affected by COVID-19
With nearly 50,000 people in the Dorset Council area furloughed during the crisis and potentially 15,000 unable to return to work due to redundancy or business closure, the Reaching Out campaign signposts to the wide range of support and advice available.
Dorset Council Cabinet member, Councillor Laura Miller, is leading the campaign. She said:
“These are difficult times for many, and we are encouraging people financially affected by the crisis in Dorset to seek help early.
“For many people in Dorset, this will be the first time they have experienced such financial difficulties. We want to reach anyone who is worried about, or is facing redundancy; including those aged 16 to 25 (who are most at risk of unemployment or reduced hours); and anyone struggling to pay their rent, mortgage or other bills.”
“Our message is reaching out early and speaking to experts can help prevent things getting more difficult.
“We want you to know you’re not alone – there is a range of help and support available. We are working with Citizens Advice and their specialist advisers can help you with immediate problems and plan for the longer term.”
Daniel Cadisch, from Dorset Citizens Advice, said:
“Experience shows talking to someone early on can really turn things around quickly. Citizens Advice can advise on a range of issues, from difficulty paying the rent and mortgage; problems with redundancy; accessing benefits; and loan or credit card repayments; to paying the bills, free school meals and changing career.
“Our knowledge of the Dorset area means we can help put you in the touch with the right people and access support you may not be aware of. Our advice is free, confidential and impartial. Often just a chat with us is enough to set you in the right direction.”
The key themes of the campaign, which will be running until 2021 are:
- Work and skills – employment rights, careers advice, access to training
- Money and home – rent or mortgage advice, managing debt, accessing benefits, finding somewhere to live, foodbanks, other financial help
- Health and relationships – health and wellbeing advice including signposting to mental health and domestic abuse support
Get support now
To talk to someone who can help, call the Dorset Citizens Advice Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 or textphone 0800 144 8884 or find out more about the support available at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/reaching-out.
Calls cost the same as calls to landline numbers. See more about Citizens Advice call charges.
Case Study
Find out how Citizens Advice has recently helped a Dorset resident on furlough.
