Worried this winter? Moray Citizens Advice can help you

Moray Citizens Advice Bureau is encouraging people "worried this winter" to seek advice to deal with energy bills and the cost of living.

The CAB is supporting Big Energy Saving Winter, a campaign run by the Citizens Advice network across Scotland.

Data suggests one in ten people seeking help with an energy issue also require food insecurity advice.

The CAB wants people worried about their energy bills to seek wraparound advice that could see their incomes boosted through additional grants or social security payments.

Last year Moray CAB unlocked £1.6 million of funding for local people.

Mary Riley, its manager, said: "With higher energy bills, interest rates and prices in the shops it's understandable that many people will be worried this winter.

"If that applies to you please understand you aren’t alone – and help is out there.

"Moray CAB can help you with advice, whether that is specifically about your energy bills or wider problems with the cost of living.

"There may be grants or benefits you are missing out on, or other ways to boost your income or cut your costs.

"Lots of people don’t think the CAB service is for them, but nothing could be further from the truth.

"We are for everyone regardless of background or circumstance and we get real results for people.

"If you don’t want to come to the bureau itself for face-to-face advice there are a range of online options.

"Our advice is free, impartial and confidential. It costs nothing to check how we could help."

Consumer Scotland is supporting the campaign with £60,000 of funding.

Sam Ghibaldan, the new body's chief executive, said: "Our research shows that many people are struggling to afford their bills even before the onset of winter, so it is important consumers know help and support is available.

Home Energy Scotland is also supporting the campaign.

Harry Mayers, its head, said: "We know this winter will be a difficult one for Scottish households. The good news is that financial support is available and there are simple actions we can take at home that will add up to help better manage energy use."

Moray Citizens Advice Bureau is open to the public from 9.30am-12.30am on weekdays.

It's sited at 6 Moss Street, Elgin. Telephone 01343 550088.

Outreach appointments at Keith, Buckie, Forres, Dufftown or Tomintoul can be booked by phoning 01343 555163 during the same hours.

Moray CAB is also running an event at Forres Town Hall between 1.30pm-3.30pm on Wednesday, December 7, in collaboration with local energy charity REAP and Home Energy Scotland.

In addition, Home Energy Scotland can be contacted on 0808 808 2282 for help this winter.

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Get online advice HERE