CITIZENS Advice Cornwall has warned that more volunteers are urgently needed in Saltash as residents continue to seek help with benefits, debt, housing and financial hardship.

The charity provided support to 245 Saltash clients between April 2025 and March 2026, according to an update given to Saltash Town Council.

Wailim Wong, communications officer for Citizens Advice Cornwall (CAC), told councillors residents were seeking help with a wide range of complex and often interconnected problems.

The organisation’s top five issues were benefits and Universal Credit, debt, benefits and tax credits, housing, and charitable support and food banks.

The figures also showed 17 people were recorded as experiencing actual homelessness, while a further 13 were threatened with homelessness.

Among those seeking help with benefits, the most common issues were initial claims, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the housing element of benefits, managed migration and limited capability for work elements.

Debt was another major area of demand, with fuel debts topping the list, followed by other debts, council tax arrears, debt assessments and credit, store and charge card debts.

Mr Wong said CAC’s work had helped local residents secure significant income gains through successful benefit claims, grant applications and debt relief measures.

Councillors also raised concerns about housing difficulties, homelessness and the disproportionate impact of financial hardship on disabled residents.

CAC said many of the cases it deals with require significant time and dedicated support because several problems can be affecting a household at the same time.

However, a shortage of volunteers has resulted in the temporary suspension of the charity’s Saltash drop-in service. The organisation hopes to reintroduce the service in future, while its Saltash centre remains open for pre-booked face-to-face appointments.

Residents can also contact Citizens Advice Cornwall on 0808 812 7156, with telephone lines open Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.

The charity said its drop-in service and partnerships with local organisations, including foodbanks and healthcare providers, rely on having enough volunteers. It is currently recruiting additional volunteer advisers to meet rising demand across Cornwall, with particular appeals for volunteers in Saltash, Liskeard, Truro and Camborne.

The appeal comes as residents face increasingly complicated financial and housing problems, with the town council stressing the importance of maintaining access to advice and support locally.

Saltash Town Council said its support for CAC reflected its commitment to the health and wellbeing of people living and working in the town, as well as those visiting the area.

Saltash mayor Cllr Brian Stoyel praised the work of staff and volunteers and urged more people to consider giving their time.

He said: “Citizens Advice Cornwall provides an invaluable service to residents facing a wide range of challenges, from financial hardship and housing concerns to accessing benefits and support.

“The figures shared with the town council demonstrate the real difference their work makes to people across our community.

“I would like to thank Citizens Advice Cornwall staff and volunteers for their dedication and encourage anyone who can spare the time to consider volunteering and supporting this vital service.”

Citizens Advice Cornwall said people interested in volunteering can find details of available roles on its website or contact its recruitment team by email.