East Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has launched a campaign encouraging people to seek advice if they are worried about energy bills this winter.

The campaign, ‘Worried This Winter,’ comes as research found that an estimated 2.2 million people in Scotland believe energy bills are their biggest financial concern this winter and 1.4 million are worried they won’t be able to heat their home.

Running until the end of January, the campaign aims to tell people in this situation that they’re not alone and there’s no shame in being worried and that they can get free advice from the CAB network. Its website www.cas.org.uk/worried, lets readers easily access.

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Launching the local campaign, Sarah Hammond CAB Manager East Ayrshire said: “As the weather turns colder and Christmas approaches, it’s perfectly understandable that people are worried about their energy bills and keeping their home warm.

"We know that here in East Ayrshire many households are really struggling with the cost of living crisis.

“This new campaign says to people it’s okay to be worried this winter, and your local CAB is here to help you, regardless of your background or circumstances. Our advice is free, impartial and confidential.

“You don’t even have to physically come to our office to get our advice. Our campaign website has lots of information and self-help tools that you can access from your own home. These can help you see where you can cut your costs, boost your income, and understand your rights with your energy supplier."

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Sarah added: “Of course, if you prefer to talk to an adviser face-to-face you can visit our office in King Street Kilmarnock or call us on 01563 543379.

"Alternatively, you can email us on advice@eastayrshirecab.org.uk - whatever suits you.

“And we do get real results for people. We can negotiate on your behalf with your energy supplier to perhaps reduce any debts you have, and sometimes we can find grants and benefits that you’re entitled to but don’t know about.

"I can’t promise that will be the case for everyone, but it doesn’t cost you anything to look into it.

“Last year when people came to a Scottish CAB for advice on energy bills we were able to get them on average £400 in assistance. And when people asked us to look into other debts and financial problems they had we were able to get them an average of £3,700.

“So this campaign is all about re-assuring people that help is available. Whether you’re in work or not, own your home or not, whether you have kids or not.

"If you’re worried this winter, East Ayrshire CAB is here. Let us help you.”