When household bills keep climbing and money feels tighter each month, it's easy to feel like you're battling the cost-of-living crisis alone. But for residents in Gateshead, a partnership between the council and Citizens Advice has shown just how much difference the right support can make – helping people claim over £1.4 million in income they were entitled to and clear £1.9 million worth of debt.
This isn't just about numbers on a spreadsheet. Behind these figures are real families who've found breathing room in their budgets, people who've discovered benefits they didn't know existed, and households that have finally tackled debts that were keeping them awake at night.
The collaboration between Gateshead Council and Citizens Advice Gateshead offers practical help across the issues that matter most when money is tight. Whether you're struggling to understand what benefits you might be entitled to, need help managing debt, facing housing problems, or unsure about your rights at work, there's support available that could make a real difference to your situation.
What makes this partnership particularly valuable is that Citizens Advice Gateshead provides completely free, independent and confidential advice. Their advisers understand the system inside out – from helping you navigate benefit applications to negotiating with creditors when debts feel overwhelming, or standing up for your rights if you're having housing disputes with landlords.
With more families across the country feeling the pinch from rising energy bills and everyday costs, Gateshead Council recognises that people need this kind of expert support now more than ever. By working together, they're ensuring that help reaches the people who need it most, turning what can feel like an impossible situation into something manageable – and that's support that's there when you need it.