We're urging community groups who can offer cost of living help to residents to come forward.

We have funding available for organisations to aid people during the crisis.

Groups will need to give one-to-one personalised guidance on issues ranging from benefits support, employment mentoring, debt advice, assistance claiming Household Support Fund, help making online applications and more.

The funding scheme is open to organisations in Torbay who are in the voluntary or community sector or who are social enterprises, including faith groups.

They must have a constitution and be not-for-profit and can work alone or alongside others.

The funding has come from the adult social care precept which is collected through Torbay’s council tax.

Councillor Christine Carter, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Community Services, said: “We’re looking at how money from different funding pots can be used to help residents through the cost of living crisis this winter. A portion of our Household Support Fund allocation is being spent on funding Warm Spaces and Affordable Food Clubs.

“This money, from our adult social care precept, will go directly to our community partners so they can offer targeted advice and information support.

“There is no limit to how much groups can apply for so I would urge those who feel they have a strong case to put in an application.”

More information about the application process is available on the council’s cost of living crisis advice and information funding page.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 5pm on Monday 21 November. We aim to award funding in early January.