Dorset Council has committed to investing £500,000 a year until at least 2029 to continue supporting residents struggling with the cost of living.
The funding will help maintain the Dorset Together: Cost of Living Programme, which works with charities and community groups to provide practical support with housing, food, energy costs and debt advice.
Over the past year, the programme helped more than 1,100 households avoid homelessness, while specialist advice through Citizens Advice supported more than 1,000 residents with debt and energy issues, resulting in financial gains and debts written off totalling more than £1.3 million.
The scheme has also funded foodbanks, community food projects, home appliances for low-income households, energy efficiency improvements and additional holiday activities for children.
Residents seeking support can find out more at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help or by contacting Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848.
The Dorset Life Community News section is sponsored by Wessex Internet
