A new website aims to help people across Dumfries and Galloway cope with the cost of living crisis.
It provides a one-stop shop offering help with everything from money, benefits and household bills to finding work and health and wellbeing, with support for families, young people, the elderly and disabled.
The site has been developed by the region’s poverty and inequalities partnership which includes a number of organisations, such as the council, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, the region’s Third Sector and Citizens Advice Service.
Council co-leader Stephen Thompson said: “The winter months will bring extremely challenging times for many living in the region, especially for those that are vulnerable and most in need.
“There is a lot of support available both locally and nationally to each of us affected by cost-of-living pressures but this website marks the first time in Dumfries and Galloway that it’s all been accessible in one place.
“We will do everything we can to help our citizens navigate these difficult times and the launch of this online resource will detail the full range of support available from the council and our partners.”
The website can be found at https://costofliving.dumgal.gov.uk and includes details of the support available at local, national and UK level.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway chief executive Jeff Ace said: “As an individual organisation and as part of the wider poverty and inequalities partnership, we are committed to providing what support we can to people during this extremely challenging period.
“I very much welcome the new website which has been created as one of the resources people will be able to access, collecting information which may be of use and signposting to individual agencies.
“I would encourage everyone to review what support is available to help them personally and to give thought to what support and help they may be able to provide to others.”
Norma Austin Hart, chief executive officer of Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway, fears many third sector organisations will suffer from the cost of living crisis.
She said: ““Not only are they worried about how the crisis affects their own running costs but they also provide services to some of the most vulnerable people in society who are looking for more help.
Chief executive officer of Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service Phil Stewart added: “This is an excellent example of joined up partnership working in our region. The creation of this website is another great opportunity to reach out across our communities to those who may be struggling with the cost of living or those supporting them to find the information and support they need.”
