Thousands of residents are turning to Citizens Advice for help with the rising cost of living.
In Dorset, 14,300 people sought support from the advice service in 2025, raising around 79,000 issues.
The service secured more than £20 million in financial outcomes for those it helped, including welfare benefits, support grants and debts written off.
Daniel Cadisch, chief officer for Citizens Advice Central Dorset, said: "Residents had a tough year coping with the high cost of living.
"Our team connected people with the help that they needed.
"Supporting people to maximise their income and manage finances allows them to feel more resilient and more confident to cope with rising household bills."
Benefits were the most common concern, with more than 32,000 related enquiries.
The charity also reported a rise in debt and utility issues.
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Residents in the Dorset Council area faced a 20 per cent increase in fuel debt and a 23 per cent rise in council tax debt compared to the previous year.
Mr Cadisch said: "People often come to us for help with one issue which then reveals a number of additional issues putting more pressure on our service.
"Demand for debt advice is also high with nearly 2,000 people seeking debt advice from us in 2025.
"Our message to residents is to approach us for help at the earliest stage, that way we can point you in the right direction and work with you to build resilience in 2026."
Citizens Advice in Dorset relies on grants and donations to continue its work.
Mr Cadisch said: "We are an independent charity and are hugely grateful to all of our funders and in particular, Dorset Council for their financial and partnership support enabling us to provide advice for Dorset residents."
A Dorset resident who recently received debt support said: "I found the debt team all very friendly and very helpful.
"Even when I was at my most stressed, they were always willing and able to help me with my problems and help me sort them.
"I feel a big weight has been lifted since my Debt Relief Order has been approved. Thank you."
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