Helensburgh parents worried about rising energy costs have been encouraged to seek advice and support from a children’s charity.

Children 1st is offering help through their financial wellbeing team's Parentline which allows families to speak to energy suppliers about any debt issues and find other ways to lower bills through energy saving advice.

The charity says bills remain high for many of the families they work with and have noted that some may be feeling anxious about higher costs due to children spending more time at home, using more electricity, heating, and having to buy more food.

Sinead Haddow, senior financial wellbeing adviser from Children 1st, said: “With the spring break now upon us, we know that many families will be feeling the pinch with the added costs of kids being at home more.

“It has been a really hard year for so many of the families we work with as costs continue to rise at a rate many of them are struggling to keep up with.

“We are also keen to offer people energy saving tips that will really help reduce bills.

“Our Children 1st Parentline service is the initial point of contact for parents feeling anxious or stressed about their situation.

“Our advisors are there to listen and can then direct you on to our financial wellbeing team for further support if required.

“We want parents to know that they are not alone during the school holidays, and we are there to help.”

The team noticed a huge increase in the number of parents who were coming to them with specific concerns relating to energy and utilities, with some even self-disconnecting due to rising costs.

The Ofgem energy price cap is set to fall by 12 per cent to £1,690 from Monday, April 1 which means that the cost of energy for an average household that uses gas and electricity and pays by direct debit will go down by £238.

Parents can call Children 1st Parentline free on 08000 28 22 33 or browse their website for advice and support: www.children1st.org.uk/help-for-families/parentline-scotland.