PEOPLE in West Devon are more than £700,000 better off due to the work of their local Citizens Advice, announced the charity last week.

Local people in West Devon have benefited to the tune of £735,581 in the last six months from the help provided by their local Citizens Advice according to the last year’s analysis.

A recent client said: ‘They saved me from thinking that there wasn’t a way forward in everyday life, if it wasn’t for this service I don’t know where I’d be now!’

People have said they are in a better financial position after the charity helped them deal with spiralling debts, claim support such as tax credits, and resolve costly problems with their energy bills and other consumer issues.

Citizens Advice Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon is run by 25 staff and more than 140 volunteers, who provide free, confidential and independent advice to help people overcome their problems.

In the last six months our offices in West Devon have helped over 3,286 people with 5,004 issues, 34% of these on benefits and tax credits, 12% debt, 10% employment, 9% housing issues and 7% relationships and family.

After receiving the charity’s support, four in five clients felt less stressed, depressed or anxious, nearly one in two felt their physical health had improved, one in two had more money or control over their finances and nearly one in four had a more secure housing situation.

The charity regularly helps people who are at risk of being made homeless, most of which are struggling with debt. In some cases people have avoided being made homeless when their landlord attempted to evict them illegally, or tackled debts that were making them feel stressed and anxious.

Vicki Rowe, chief executive of Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon Citizens Advice, said: ‘Our volunteers and staff help thousands of people across Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon every year to find a way forward.

‘At Citizens Advice we see first-hand the ways that people’s health and well-being are affected by circumstances in their lives.

‘The help we provide local people can also contribute to savings for the public purse. By tackling people’s problems before they get worse, we can help to relieve pressure on government-funded health and housing services.

‘People don’t have to suffer in silence — anyone who is grappling with a problem in their day to day lives should get in touch with us.’