Jersey's utility firms and charities have joined together to form an online network to help islanders struggling with soaring living costs.

It is a single point of contact for anyone unable to pay their energy, water, phone and food bills to find advice and support.

The network has been coordinated by Jersey Electricity working alongside JT, Jersey Water, Citizens’ Advice Jersey, St Vincent de Paul Society, the Government of Jersey and Andium Homes.

They are all putting information on their individual websites pointing islanders who are struggling towards help.

Jersey Electricity's Stuart Murphy says the most important thing is to contact someone to discuss the options available.

"By partnering with other organisations in this innovative way, we hope to make that help and support more widely known."

One of the ways this network is helping islanders is by directing them to the government website where they can check if they qualify for any of the extra help agreed in last month's the mini-budget.

Deputy Malcolm Ferey, Assistant Minister for Social Security, says the government is offering extra an extra package of measures during the colder months, and being able to spread the word about it is important.

"I am pleased that utility companies and charities have committed to sharing the message on the enhanced Community Costs Bonus of £516.50 which is available for islanders who qualify.

This has been designed to assist with the additional expenses that are likely to be incurred this coming winter. When combined with the temporary removal of the temperature trigger around Cold Weather Payments and Cold Weather Bonus, and fixing the rate to £70.00, per month, from October 2022 to March 2023, this adds up to a package of measures that will help support people with the rising costs of energy and other essentials.

All people that interact with clients who might be suffering from financial stress, might be in need of that little bit of additional support - we are communicating that message on as many channels as we can to encourage people to make a claim for that benefit."

It's estimated that between 12,000 -14,000 people could claim, but just 2,636 claims being made so far

"It is money which is there for you, to make sure that no one is left behind this winter.  The process is very simple.  To check your eligibility is very simple. Please don't feel any sense of this is something you should be leaving for someone else.

If you're finances are under stress, and if you qualify, please make that claim.  That is what it is there to do."

The support network page can be found here