The energy price cap has increased to £3,549 – a rise in the current cap of £1,971 – and will kick in from 1 October 2022.

Hope Church in Ferndown, alongside other local churches have been helping Dorset people get free of debt through partnering with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) for the past eight years.

But they warn that living is now costing millions of low income families everything as energy prices are set to soar again from October.

Pam Ansell, CAP’s Debt Centre manager in Ferndown, says “Many local families living on a low income are already in a financial crisis due to widespread rising costs.

“The October energy price rise, combined with all the other price increases, will result in debt, desperation and in some cases, destitution for local people this winter.”

Jena, a CAP client says: “Sometimes I had to go without meals. If I was at work, I made a point of eating, as I was in company. Nobody else needed to know if I wasn’t able to have breakfast or to have dinner that night.”

Pam says: “People on low income are finding the cost of living crisis is reducing their options and forcing them to make difficult decisions, like whether to use fuel to cook something or keep warm.”

Almost half of the people who approach CAP for help have been going without heating on a regular basis before contacting them.

“It’s actually frightening to imagine what that figure will be this winter after energy prices have gone through the roof,” adds Pam. “Behind these stats are real families facing a real struggle to keep themselves warm and fed during the colder months. People need more support to ensure they have a livable income and can afford their basic needs.

“It’s more important now than ever that people know there is help and support out there.”

If you are struggling, or know someone who’s struggling, encourage them to seek free debt help by contacting CAP on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org.

You can also find out more about CAP by doing an online search for Christians Against Poverty.