Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (DGCAS) is encouraging residents to contact them for help on dealing with energy bills and the cost of living.
Data from across the Citizens Advice network suggest one in ten people seeking help with an energy issue also require food insecurity advice.
They can offer wraparound advice that could see their incomes boosted through additional grants or social security payments.
Phil Stewart, CEO of Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service, said: “The number of people contacting us for assistance for energy and financial support has doubled in the last six months to almost ten per cent of our entire clientele. This evidences the dire situation that is affecting householders right across the region, many of whom have progressed from struggling to suffering due to lack of heating and affordable, nourishing food.
“We are gaining clients who in other times would not have needed to contact us for energy advice and other financial and charitable support.
“This has amounted to £150,000 finding its way back into the pockets of our communities.
“As a result, we are increasing our number of specialist energy advisers to cope with demand.”
And he revealed that last year DGCAS unlocked £6.85 million for people in Dumfries and Galloway.
Their advice is free, impartial and confidential and Mr Stewart added: “We will never charge people for advice and during this cost of living crisis, it costs nothing to check how we could help.”
As well as one-to-one support, there are online advice options including the interactive self-help tool www.MoneyMap.scot, the Money Talk Team service or the public advice site.
