Record numbers seek help from Northumberland Citizens Advice

Nearly 38,000 clients, with over 153,000 issues, received information and assistance from the charity.

This resulted in an income gain of almost £17 million for the community and nearly £1 million in debt either written off or rescheduled.

Debt, energy/fuel poverty, and welfare benefits were the most common issues, with more than 20,000 people needing help with debt alone.

Abi Conway, chief executive of Citizens Advice Northumberland, said: "This has been another demanding year for many people living and working across Northumberland.

"It’s rewarding to see the positive impact of Citizens Advice work on local people’s lives.

"The continuing challenges of the cost-of-living crisis can be seen in stark relief throughout the Impact Report."

Now in its 85th year, Citizens Advice Northumberland has introduced a Community Advice Service to train staff and volunteers in schools, food banks, and parish councils.

Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, Dr Caroline Pryer, said: "Every corner of Northumberland, however rural or remote, is covered by Citizens Advice Northumberland’s hard-working staff and volunteers.

"They can turn round people’s lives."

The charity has 160 staff and 80 volunteers providing advice on everything from welfare benefits, housing, debt, employment, energy efficiency, family matters, and immigration.