THE Turn2us website launched a grants awareness campaign which runs until the December 17 and this is to raise awareness of the charitable grants and support available to people in financial difficulties: www.turn2us.org.uk.

It is estimated billions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed each year so their free benefits check calculator can help to bring money into the local economy.

People in receipt of benefits or on low wages often take out credit such as catalogues and payday loans to budget for household items they otherwise cannot afford however charitable trust grants offer a better alternative as it is free to apply and nothing has to be paid back.

Michael Egan, The Shires