CONCERNS are being raised that the cost of living crisis is putting pressure on struggling families in the Bridport area.

Groups which help people in need say there has been an increased demand on services and they fear the situation is only going to get worse.

The increase in the cost of living, combined with spiralling energy prices, has resulted in many people struggling with everyday expenditure.

Co-ordinator of Bridport food bank, Cupboard Love, Carrie Gamble said she has seen an increase of users coming to St Mary’s Church in South Street where the food bank is based.

She said: "Usually, we get between 35 and 50 people coming through our doors on a Wednesday, which has increased.

"Weekly shops are becoming more expensive, which is likely the reason for the increase."

She added: "As soon as bills go up around October, that will be when it will hit hardest. People aren't using as much energy for heating as the warmer months approach, but it's the calm before the storm and it will get worse before it improves.

"I would urge people to keep donating tinned goods."

Meanwhile, the Garden Glut & Food Stall, which provides fresh produce from local growers to people on a budget and is an offshoot of the Bridport Community Fridge, has also been seeing more people.

Spokesman for the stall Peter Wilson said: "We have seen an increase of users which we think is due to the cost of living crisis, but it's difficult to quantify.

"It's a steady increase we haven't seen since the introduction of Universal Credit.

"We're entering the warmer time of year now, so I don't think we will see the true extent of the living crisis issue, but during the colder months I think it will get worse before it gets better.

"On average, we have around 50 people come through our doors on Thursdays."

The increase in the cost of living and more people struggling with money has led to Citizens Advice relaunching their face to face money management advice sessions in libraries with funding supplied by Dorset Council.

Rovarn Wickremasinghe, Chief Officer, Citizens Advice in Bridport and District, said: “Our income maximisation sessions are led by specialist advisers who are able to advise on a range of money-related topics with the aim of helping people to budget and manage their finances more confidently.

“Our advisers will help people to have a better understanding of their welfare benefit entitlements, as well as how to apply for charitable grants and any other discretionary help which may be available. We can also provide debt advice.”

“We expect the demand for our services to increase considerably over the next few weeks and months. By offering these sessions, we want people to know that help is available.”

Income maximisation sessions may be pre-booked by calling the Dorset Adviceline on 0800 144 8848, or drop into Bridport Library on Tuesdays, 10am-12noon, or Bridport and District Citizens Advice at 45 South Street (open Monday to Friday).

*If anyone would like to donate to the Bridport Food Bank there are collection baskets for the in Waitrose in West Street and Lidl in St Andrew's Road. You can contact the food bank on Wednesdays by calling 07443 596096.