How volunteers at Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice can help you during the cost-of-living crisis

A woman from the Stowmarket area said she feared she would end up in court if it hadn't been for the help of the Citizens Advice (CA) in the town.

Skye first approached Mid Suffolk CA because she was having financial difficulties and getting 'really confused' with complex Personal Independence Payment (PIP) forms.

People are able to apply for PIP if they have long-term physical or mental health conditions, a disability, or if they struggle with getting around.

Having failed one of the 'terrifying' PIP assessments previously, Skye went to the volunteers at the CA office in Stowmarket for advice.

She said: "I wasn't dealing with it on my own, with just a voice over the telephone or anything like that.

"I was able to come somewhere, I could be provided with a glass of water and tissues if I got upset."

Skye added: "It's very different being able to see someone in person than trying to do it all over the phone and it did make a really big difference."

Volunteers at Mid Suffolk CA didn't only support Skye with the forms, they also managed to help her with the debt she was in.

She said: "Without the CA I would have potentially ended up in court, I could have been in a very, very bad situation.

"I could have been homeless and in significantly more debt than I was already in.

"It is terrifying and lonely as well, when you haven't got any support.

"The fact that there is an office locally available so it is very accessible to people, and is disability accessible as well, is extremely vital."

Simon Clifton, chief officer at CA Mid Suffolk, is keen that anyone that needs help, like Skye did, contacts their local CAB.

He said: "At Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk, we are seeing more people who are struggling financially.

"If you need some help and advice, you can contact our friendly team of volunteers.

"We are here for anyone who needs help to find a way forward.

"We can check if you're claiming everything you are entitled to, help you manage any debts and make a referral for a food parcel."

Roger Tyler, a volunteer adviser for CA Mid Suffolk, said this year the cost of living has been a 'hot topic'.

He explained: "The people that we see most were already struggling with finances, and they have been hit the hardest.

"It's given us more work but in many ways, more opportunities to help.

"As volunteer, it's rewarding to find someone you are able to help and see that some of the burdens have been lifted."

Roger added: "We're looking for people to join our team to help us to make a difference."

You can get in touch with CA Mid Suffolk, about support or volunteering, via their website.

To speak to an adviser you can also call 01449 676060, you will be asked to leave a voicemail if you are calling out- of-hours.

Those leaving a message are asked to include their full name and telephone number.