Money advice charity in Yarmouth hiring more staff to deal with surge in demand
DIAL have been operating since 1985 and offer help to those who are having money issues or problems with their benefits or employment
A debt and money advice charity in Great Yarmouth is hiring more staff to cope with increasing demand for their services, brought on by the rising cost of living.
DIAL have been independently operating since 1985 and offer help to those who are having money issues or problems with their benefits or employment.
"It's a very serious worry and people's health and well-being is certainly taking a dip"
Jo Howes is their chief executive and has got a message for those struggling: "Come and see us because there's always help and support, we might not be able to answer all your questions and wave the magic wand, but we can help, support you and take some of those pressures off you during this very difficult few months going into winter. Our service is free and confidential, as well.
"We have got additional advisers in place to help and support, especially with money and debt. Fuel bills and the routine food shop have all gone up and people are really struggling, and this isn't just those on benefits, but also people who are in work and getting an income."
She told us that many coming off fixed energy rates are being hit the hardest: "They have seen their bills double and sometimes triple.
"We're coming into the summer months and people don't need to put their heating on too much, but they are stilling getting huge bills doing their routine cooking or having the water on. What's it going to be like when people are having to put the heating properly?
"It's a very serious worry and people's health and well-being is certainly taking a dip."
"That's all stopped now"
Ms Howes says the issue has being building since temporary bans on evictions and debt collecting, put in place during the pandemic- expired last summer: "Things were put on hold so nobody could chase anyone for their money.
"That's all stopped now. So people are now getting bailiffs knocking at their door and are being expected to pay back money, that for many people with the rising cost of living means they are really struggling to do."
You can find out more about how to get in touch with DIAL here.