Find out what help you are entitled to – that is the message from Babergh and Citizens Advice, as residents and families continue to deal with the high cost of living. 

Babergh and Citizens Advice are calling on those feeling the financial squeeze to check what help they can access – particularly if they have not done so before. 

The call comes as Sudbury and District Citizens Advice announce that they delivered £5,500 worth of fuel vouchers last financial year.

The biggest increases were from people looking for help with consumer goods, such as food, energy, phone and internet bills.

This comes at the same time that research by Policy in Practice shows almost £19bn in support goes unclaimed every year, which could change the lives of millions of people nationwide.  

Residents can contact their district council or local Citizens Advice to find out what help is available. There may be support that they are unaware of, and offers which help cut spending such as 'social tariffs' from internet and phone companies. 

East Bergholt Cllr Sallie Davies, Babergh cabinet member for People and Place (East), said: "The cost of living crisis affects everyone differently. There are many kinds of support available, but even finding where to begin can be overwhelming. 

"Our Council Customer Service Team is ready to listen if you have been impacted by the cost of living crisis and aren't sure where to go. If you need any advice about the help you might be able to get, please don't hesitate to contact your local Citizens Advice to speak about your options."

All Babergh's cost of living support, and how to help others where you live, can be found on our website.

Colleen Sweeney, Chief Officer at Sudbury and District Citizen's Advice, said: "We are all feeling the pressure of the increase in the cost of living. We want to reduce the stigma some people feel when asking for help, especially when they may not have done so before. 

"Citizens Advice is a confidential service. This means any advice we offer you, or anything you ask us, won't be shared with anyone else. Most importantly, even during this busy period, everyone we see is treated with the same dignity and care." 

For more information about how your local Citizen's Advice can help you, visit Sudbury and district Citizen's Advice