Sid Valley Help, supported by Sidmouth Town Council have produced a flier and posters on where people can find information and advice on the cost-of-living crisis.

There are organisations that can provide advice and help for financial matters, others that can make grants to support emergency needs and those that provide help with food and energy concerns.

'Warm spaces' are offered across the town and on most days of the week providing free tea and coffee and a place to sit in the warm and comfort.

The 'cost of living crisis' refers to the fall in 'real' disposable incomes (that is, adjusted for inflation and after taxes and benefits) that the UK has experienced since late 2021. It is being caused predominantly by high inflation outstripping wage and benefit increases and has been further exacerbated by recent tax increases.

A large contributor to this situation has been the high cost of energy to households and businesses. The government announced household support for energy bills in late May. After taking into account this support for lower income households, they will be largely supported for energy costs. However, reality is that everyone is anxious about these unprecedented costs and all households will experience the impact of high inflation on all goods and consumables this year.

For many people it will be the first time that they have real concern about making ends meet and the worry of incurring debt. This will be exacerbated by the expense of Christmas. Please do not put off seeking advice. There is help in the community and there is no stigma attached to seeking help at what is a very challenging time.

Copies of the leaflet referred to above have been sent home with every school child. They can also be picked up in the library, doctor's surgeries, information centres, all of the listed support organisations and the listed 'warm spaces'.