MP and Shelter urge those struggling with mortgage and rent payments to seek help

Shelter helps over 4 million people a year with free, practical housing advice, through its online support, face to face and national helpline services.

Prompted by a new Shelter and YouGov survey, the campaign highlights the strain families face in Yorkshire and the Humber in January, with one in nine rent or mortgage payers fearing they will be unable to meet their housing costs this month. In the last year alone, Shelter dealt with 135 cases related to housing and homelessness in Rotherham.

At the same time 14 per cent of people in Yorkshire and the Humber are cutting back on winter fuel and clothing to meet their housing payments – the equivalent of 600,000 people.

At an event to launch Shelter’s new campaign to raise awareness of its vital advice and support services, Sarah met with Shelter’s Director of Services Alison Mohammed and discussed the frontline services Shelter delivers in Rotherham, and across the UK.

Sarah said: “Shelter’s frontline services provide invaluable assistance to many of Rotherham’s residents, particularly at what can be an extremely tough time of year. They can often be the difference between a family staying in their home or becoming homeless.

“I know from my regular surgeries that it is absolutely critical people who are struggling to stay in their homes seek help at the earliest opportunity. I would urge anyone who is having difficulty making their rent or mortgage payments to contact Shelter, or myself, as soon as they can.

“With so many parents in the U.K cutting back on winter essentials to pay their rent or mortgage, it is important that people in Rotherham are aware of the support that is available to them.”