A PROJECT providing free housing advice to those in need in Purbeck and East Dorset is under threat.

Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck is raising funds to continue to run a housing team providing support for families and individuals at risk of homelessness.

The project provides a one-stop support service offering housing and financial advice to vulnerable people.

From January to November this year, Citizens Advice helped 953 people with 2,241 housing issues and in November alone, the housing team helped 98 people.

Demand is expected to increase further as more people may be unable to pay rent and bills due to the increased cost of living.

Katrina Ford, business development manager for Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck, said: “Our housing team provides essential support by offering both housing and financial advice, particularly to residents who need help navigating the system and the application process.

“Some people do not have the skills to maintain tenancies, making them vulnerable to homelessness.

“Unfortunately, our external funding is coming to an end and we are in desperate need to be able to continue to offer this essential free service.”

She said housing is a key issue for many, including those housed in temporary accommodation out of the area.

Donations to Citizens Advice Housing Project can be made on Aviva’s Community Fund page, and they will match fund the amount raised.

Alternatively, visit www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk, or email giving@edpcitizensadvice.org.uk for more information.

For general advice and support, call the Dorset Adviceline on freephone line 0800 144 8848 (Textphone: 0800 144 8884), between 10am and 4pm on weekdays, or visit www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk.