Dorset Council has joined forces with Citizens Advice and Shelter to inform residents about a specialist housing helpline which can help people avoid becoming homeless.

The Housing Advice Line campaign is appearing on road sweepers and bin lorries across the Dorset Council area from this month, going into the heart of communities.

Sixteen new banners have been placed on to the sides of refuse trucks to encourage residents to seek help early if they have any concerns about housing costs.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Health, Councillor Gill Taylor says: "I think a lot of residents in Dorset don't know that our Housing Service can help them, which is why we're putting this information on the sides of bin lorries: to reach as many people as we can.

"Prevention is the key to avoiding homelessness and we hope that by working in collaboration with Shelter and Citizens Advice, we can avoid residents moving out of their home wherever possible.

"High energy bills, sharp interest rate increases and stagnant wages have left some people facing homelessness or in rent or mortgage arrears for the first time in their lives.

"These people may not have traditionally been in this position. For example, working people may not have previously needed financial advice or support to keep a roof over their head and may not know where to turn for help, or even that free, confidential and non-judgemental help is out there.

"Our records show that residents are contacting the council when they are in crisis mode and are facing eviction, so we want anyone who has concerns about their housing costs to call us on 01305 221133 or to visit the Dorset Council website or search for 'housing costs helpline.'"

The partnership can support people when they start to feel financial hardship and are at risk of losing their home.

The campaign can help anyone who:

• privately rents
• lives in social housing
• has a mortgage
• is a landlord
• is a lettings agent

Between January and June 2024:

• The Housing Advice Line received 2,055 online enquiries and 3,516 telephone enquiries.
• The Housing Service at Dorset Council carried out 1,591 homeless assessments.
• The Housing Service prevented 269 households from becoming homeless, compared to 189 for the same period in 2023 (an increase of 42.5%)

Housing Specialist at Citizens Advice, Jacqui Few, added: "When clients are referred to us from Dorset Council, we look at the wider picture and check whether people are receiving the right benefits and look at maximising their income. We also have a team of specialists who can advise including our Energy Advice team who can offer energy efficiency advice, help with billing issues and meter problems."