A NEW hub has been set up to provide debt and employment information and advice to people in Langport.
The Langport Info Hub is set to use a network of local organisations to deliver information and where appropriate refer people to volunteers and staff working in the community.
The initiative is being facilitated by the Somerset Advice Network with support from South Somerset District Council and Yarlington Housing Group.
It has been set up after research from local bodies, including the Citizens Advice Bureau, found that people were facing increasing challenges in getting information and advice on a number of issues.
This included employment, benefits, housing and relationships.
The study found that many people do not know where to turn as they are not familiar with the wide range of information sources, particularly if they live in rural areas or do not have access to the internet.
Caroline Moore, executive director of finance and corporate services at Yarlington Housing Group, said: "With the evidence that over half of UK adults are struggling to keep up with bills and debt repayments today, compared with 35% seven years ago, it is vital that we offer whatever support we can to help them, and this partnership will help to address that need."
The service will be run in Langport at the district council's Community Office, Langport Library, the Levels Children's Centre and The Angel.
Other organisations who have received training from Somerset Advice Network include the Langport Information Centre, NetBuddies, South Somerset Mind and Llast Credit Union.
District councillor Sylvia Seal said: "It's important that residents can access information quickly as we are all very busy in life and sometimes it can be difficult getting information we need.
"The Langport Info Hub aims to help local residents get information easily no matter what their circumstances are, such as living in a rural area, no internet access or lacking confidence in asking.
"I am delighted that SSDC has been able to help the initiative and support the community of Langport."
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