The area's independent information body is urging residents not to sit in cold homes this winter due to concerns about their energy bills.

West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau (WDCAB) is joining in the “Worried this winter?” campaign, a nationwide initiative run by the Citizens Advice network in Scotland encouraging people who are anxious about their bills and keeping their homes warm to seek advice.

Last year WDCAB helped 5448 people and unlocked £1.65m in client financial gains and debt write-offs through schemes like social security payments, employment entitlements, and benefits in-kind.

Last year, one service user praised WDCAB for their help, noting they relieved her winter anxiety. 

They wrote: "CAB has helped me to be able to keep my heating on.

"I’ve been so scared to use it in case I’m unable to afford it, especially on a low income.

"The payment that the adviser got for me makes a huge difference to both my physical and mental wellbeing.”

People don’t need to go to the CAB for support - they have online information pages and interactive self-help tools that allow people to see how they can boost their income or cut their costs.

To find out how they can help you, go to here www.cas.org.uk/worried.