A charity has launched a fundraising campaign to help people struggling with the cost of living.

Citizens Advice New Forest has set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise money to continue providing free, confidential, and impartial advice to those most in need.

The Aviva Community Fund has pledged to match each donation up to £250, effectively doubling the impact of each contribution.

Contrary to popular belief, Citizens Advice is not government funded.

As a local independent charity, Citizens Advice New Forest relies heavily on the support of individuals and grant-giving organisations.

This funding is crucial to sustain services, as demand has reached an all-time high.

With more people than ever facing financial difficulties due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, the need for support is greater than ever.

Over the past year, Citizens Advice New Forest has helped more than 4,700 clients with over 20,000 issues, from benefits and housing, to debt and employment.

Through this support, clients have seen a combined financial gain of more than £1.25 million, and more than £1.66 million of unmanageable debt has been written off.

Neill Young, chief officer at Citizens Advice New Forest, said: "Our team is working tirelessly to support people across the New Forest who are facing incredibly difficult circumstances.

"This crowdfunding campaign is not just about raising money – it’s about empowering our community to support one another.

"And with Aviva’s generous match funding, every donation goes twice as far."

To learn more or to make a donation, please visit: avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/support-citizens-advice-new-forest.

One local resident who recently turned to Citizens Advice New Forest for support is Sarah, a single mother who was struggling with debt and mental health issues.

Sarah received crucial support from Citizens Advice New Forest, who secured temporary rent relief, cleared energy arrears, transferred her Child Benefit, and secured disability benefits.

As a result, Sarah’s weekly income increased by £127, and she was no longer reliant on food banks, gaining greater financial independence and stability.