With the fear that the cost of living crisis will put more people in East Dorset and Ringwood into debt, Hope Church in Ferndown is reminding people that they offer support to those impacted by rising costs.

The church has been helping local people get free of debt through partnering with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) for the past eight years.

Pam Ansell, East Dorset & Ringwood CAP Debt Centre manager said: “The help provided by the UK Government to keep down all our energy bills is welcomed and a massive relief to many people who would’ve otherwise fallen into fuel poverty and debt.

“But the sad reality is we are still seeing many East Dorset & Ringwood families already in a financial crisis because they haven’t been able to afford rising costs throughout 2022.”

UK-wide, CAP has seen calls to the charity’s helpline rise by over a third in the first half of this year compared to 2021 and the number of requests they have received for emergency fuel top ups for people unable to afford energy have doubled in the same period.

Pam said: “Many people living on a low income in our area still can’t afford their energy bills and all the other rocketing living costs. This is resulting in debt, desperation and in some cases, destitution and is why it’s vital we let people know we are here to offer free debt help.”

Christians Against Poverty has helped thousands of people become debt free and have hope restored in their lives over the last 25 years.

Local CAP client Claire has become reliant on the local food bank and the Ferndown fridge to ensure that she can feed her family whilst she pays for her electricity and gas. She is reluctant to put on the heating as she can’t afford to top up the gas meter each week and she is dreading the winter ahead.

Pam said: “I encourage anyone struggling financially to seek free debt help because we know that with incomes so low, and rapidly rising costs, a lot of households are finding it impossible to stay out of debt.

“We have seen many people in East Dorset & Ringwood go from debt and desperation to being completely debt free. We are determined to continue bringing hope to our community throughout this difficult time by offering our practical and emotional support. We’d urge anyone who needs our help or who would like to support our work to get in touch.”

If you are struggling with debt and need free help, get in contact with CAP on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org, alternatively contact the local team to find out how you can help support the work of Hope Church on 07458 395740 or email pamansell@capuk.org.

CAP East Dorset & Ringwood Debt Centre has 10 top tips which can help people with rising energy costs this winter:

1. It’s very important to make sure to keep yourself and your family warm and eat hot meals, especially on the colder days of winter so your physical and mental health isn’t put at risk.
2. Ensure that your meter readings are accurate and that you are only paying for the energy you use.
3. Investigate whether your home needs insulation to keep as much of the heat you are paying for in your home rather than having it escape through the roof and walls. Find local sources of support for warmer homes such as boiler grants and free loft insulation. For more details see: simpleenergyadvice.org.uk moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/free-cavity-loft-insulation or moneysavingexpert.com/family/grant-grabbing
4. Check if you can make your home more energy efficient. Check out. https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency
5. Heating yourself is likely to be more cost effective than constantly having your thermostat on a really high temperature heating the air first. There’s always the classic option of wrapping up in a cosy jumper, thermal socks, and a thick blanket before deciding whether or not to put the thermostat up any higher.
6. Use cold water for handwashing, take shorter showers and unplug your microwave. These are all little savers tips but doing things like this can consistently really help save money, especially when prices are so high. It’s the soap that kills the bacteria, not the hot water. A microwave uses energy to power its clock 24/7. By unplugging it when you’re not using it, you can really cut down on electricity.
7. Make sure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to. Use the Government’s Benefits Calculator to see what benefits you may be eligible for https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators
8. Visit free Warm Welcome Hubs. Visiting free indoor venues will mean you don’t have to use your own energy at home and can also connect you with your local community. CAP is working in partnership with the Warm Welcome Hubs initiative, providing warm spaces in churches across the UK. Check here for your nearest Warm Welcome Hub https://www.warmwelcome.uk/
9. Contact your energy company if you have any concerns about struggling to pay your bills. Your supplier has a responsibility to work with you and offer extra help and advice to try and make sure you can afford your energy bills.
10. If you are in energy arrears or have other debts, seek free debt help from Christians Against Poverty or another free debt help service. You can find the support you feel is best for you at www.moneyhelper.org.uk. Get in contact with CAP on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org.