FAMILIES who use Wellington Foodbank this week will also be receiving advice on how to save on their energy bills.

Citizens Advice Somerset (CAS) is running a project with the foodbank to mark Energy Saving Week.

It is providing energy saving booklets to be given out by foodbank volunteers with each Wellington food parcel they distribute in an effort to tackle the issue of fuel poverty.

Across Somerset, about 650 households have to turn for help every week to a foodbank, while fuel poverty affects one in 10 people.

More than 800 people went to CAS last year with fuel-related issues, and one person in crisis was helped with food or other charitable needs for every hour the service was open.

CAS executive operations manager Rhoda Cooke said: “An alarming number of people are continuing to face real financial hardships, and action is needed to address this.”

Ms Cooke said anybody affected by fuel poverty needed to know they were not alone, there was help available and some basic things they could do right now.

She said the Citizens Advice website provided advice on staying warm and saving money, finding help for those behind with their energy bills, and finding grants and benefits to help pay the bills.

There could also be help available for energy efficiency home improvements and for those struggling to pay their bills.

Ms Cooke said: “If you need advice, Citizens Advice Somerset is available, providing free, independent, and confidential advice.”

Wellington Foodbank has been operating for more than 10 years from Wellington United Reformed Church Hall between 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

The foodbank, which is affiliated to Taunton Foodbank, works with CAS and a number of other local organisations which can issue foodbank vouchers and refer clients who are at risk of going hungry.