Dorset Council and national charities Shelter and Citizen's Advice have joined forces for the first time to prevent homelessness in the county.

The new partnership is supporting Dorset residents who are experiencing a range of housing issues by providing a free, confidential and non-judgemental one-stop-shop for anyone with housing cost concerns.

Experts can assist with many areas of housing, such as giving legal and debt advice, help finding a new home due to eviction and in some circumstances facilitate financial assistance to enable residents to remain in their accommodation.

The Housing Advice Line is open to anyone who:

- has a mortgage

- rents privately

- has a social landlord or

- are landlords themselves.

The service is also open to lettings agents, so they can share information with landlords and their clients.

When people call the Housing Advice Line on 01305 221000, their enquiry will be triaged and passed on to the most relevant team or organisation to progress.