Pandemic causes financial hardship in Dorset
It's estimated 50,000 workers have been furloughed.
Dorset Council and Dorset Citizens Advice are urging anyone in financial difficulty because of the pandemic to get help as soon as possible.
Nearly 50,000 people in Dorset have been furloughed during the crisis, and it's thought possibly up to 15,000 have been unable to return to work.
They've launched the 'Reaching Out' campaign to give support and advice to those facing difficulty.
Dorset Council Cabinet member, Councillor Laura Miller, is leading the initiative:
She said:
"These are difficult times for many, and we are encouraging people financially affected by the crisis in Dorset to seek help early.
"For many people in Dorset, this will be the first time they have experienced such financial difficulties. We want to reach anyone who is worried about, or is facing redundancy; including those aged 16 to 25 (who are most at risk of unemployment or reduced hours); and anyone struggling to pay their rent, mortgage or other bills'.
"Our message is reaching out early and speaking to experts can help prevent things getting more difficult.
"We want you to know you're not alone - there is a range of help and support available. We are working with Citizens Advice and their specialist advisers can help you with immediate problems and plan for the longer term."
The campaign is focusing on:
Work and skills - employment rights, careers advice, access to training.
Money and home - rent or mortgage advice, managing debt, accessing benefits, finding somewhere to live, foodbanks, other financial help.
Health and relationships - health & wellbeing advice including signposting to mental health and domestic abuse support.
Daniel Cadisch, Dorset Citizens Advice, said:
"Experience shows talking to someone early on can really turn things around quickly. Citizens Advice can advise on a range of issues, from difficulty paying the rent and mortgage; problems with redundancy; accessing benefits; and loan or credit card repayments; to paying the bills, free school meals and changing career.
"Our knowledge of the Dorset area means we can help put you in the touch with the right people and access support you may not be aware of.
"Our advice is free, confidential and impartial. Often just a chat with us is enough to set you in the right direction."