IT is not an easy time to be alive as the cost of living skyrockets, petrol prices soar and political tensions cause global uncertainty.

Add the fact the world is reeling from an unprecedented international pandemic into the mix and it’s easy to understand why people are struggling.

Last month we revealed hundreds of households in Colchester were on the brink of homelessness during the first 18 months of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities figures show 540 households in Colchester sought council support after becoming homeless between April 2020 and the end of September 2021.

Of those, 129 were households with children.

But Colchester Council says it is doing its best to help, and has stepped forward to help those approaching breaking point.

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It has shared with the Gazette its wide range of support available to residents, including financial and debt advice, help with paying living expenses, plus rent and energy bills.

Furthermore, support for employment and housing as well as help finding a job, online services, and food can be accessed by those in need.

And anyone going through tough times can receive help, not just those in fear of becoming homeless, the council insists.

One resident, whose identity has been withheld, contacted its team having read about the Household Support Fund on offer.

The young, first-time single mum was concerned she would. required.

She was also worried about not being able to pay the rent and her heating and utility bills which were due.

A council spokeswoman explained: “We worked with her to put a support package in place to help her pay her rent and provided a Household Support grant to help towards the heating and utility bills.

“The specialised baby milk, as well as a contribution towards a replacement washing machine, was much-needed.

“We worked with partners at the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure she was getting regular Universal Credit payments and our colleagues at Colchester Borough Homes on repairs to the property.

“As you can imagine, she found this situation extremely challenging to deal with both in terms of the financial struggle, all whilst looking after a young baby.

“This helped her get back on track with her financial budgeting and precious worry-free time to spend with her new baby.”

The council now wants to signpost residents to vital support which could be a lifeline for many vulnerable people and families.

It has urged residents to visit its website to access free financial, employment and housing support, as well as various funds and support options for making payments and receiving essential goods.

Colchester Council’s head of resources Sue Lissimore said: “Winter is always a tough time, but this year the colder months are even more challenging for families in Colchester.

“As the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic continues, alongside an increased cost of living, we are seeing households who were already struggling to make ends meet, facing a perfect storm as fuel and food prices rise as incomes are squeezed further.

“We are always here to support all our residents, businesses and communities with practical advice, help with applications for financial support payments and in finding employment for those that need it.

“We have pulled all the support together in one place so it’s easy for people to find the information they need.”

If you are struggling and need to seek help from Colchester Council, you should explore the various options at colchester.gov.uk/supporting-colchester.