PEOPLE are being asked to dip into their pockets to help others in Somerset struggling to make ends meet.

Thousands of people in the county are behind with or struggling to pay their bills, with many unable to afford adequate food.

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) has launched its Somerset Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal to support the most needy.

It comes as inflation hits double figures and energy bills have risen by over 50per cent since April, with further hikes in the pipeline, plunging many into fuel poverty.

The appeal will raise vital funds so local people living in poverty can get the support they need.

Donations will fund crucial work such as debt advice, food banks, mental health support, help for people with disabilities or older people, and homelessness organisations.

An SCF spokesperson said: "No one should have to choose between feeding themselves or their children.

"No one should have to choose between heating and eating.

"No one should be plunged into insurmountable debt to pay for basic living costs.

"If you can afford to, please donate to our Somerset Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal today to help us provide funding to vital local charities supporting local people in poverty."

Of the more than 43,000 in Somerset on Universal Credit, estimates suggest half are either already behind on their bills or struggling to keep up with them, while one in three are unable to afford adequate food, meaning there are days when they don’t eat at all or only have one meal.

Somerset County Council has made an initial £50,000 donation to support the launch of the appeal to help people through the cost of living crisis.

Council leader Cllr Bill Revans said: “Just as Somerset Community Foundation stepped up to support our communities during Covid, it is great to see it doing the same for the cost-of-living crisis that will similarly hit thousands of Somerset families over the coming months.

“It is only right that the county council is working in partnership with the foundation and supporting their appeal.

"Somerset is a county of close communities and I hope those residents who are able will support the appeal and support their neighbours.”

To donate to the Somerset Cost-of-Living Crisis Appeal today visit: www.somersetcf.org.uk/costofliving or call 01749 344949.

When the fund is open, any community group or charitable organisation wishing to apply for a grant should visit the SCF website at www.somersetcf.org.uk/apply