FREE sessions offering advice on issues such as health, housing, benefits, debt, employment, fuel and Universal Credit will be held across County Durham.

The initiative by providers including Monkey, Advice in County Durham, Durham County Council and housing organisations Karbon Homes, livin, and County Durham Housing Group aims to improve awareness of and access to expert advice.

The drop-in events run from 10am to 3pm or appointments can be made in advance with the organisations involved.

Julie Gowland, project manager for Monkey, said: “We all face circumstances from time to time where we need advice, whether it’s an unexpected crisis, a change in circumstances, or planning how to achieve our goals.

"These events are organised across the County to make advice more accessible to residents.

“If there are circumstances where we cannot help with an issue on that day, we can make future appointments, or refer you to someone who can help, so please come along.”

They will be at Café at The Elms, Chester le Street, on Friday, September 8; East Durham Trust Community House, Peterlee, on Tuesday, September 19; Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre on Monday, September 25; Pelaw View Centre, Durham, on Thursday, October 5; Stanley Civic Hall on Thursday, October 12, and Auckland Youth & Community Centre, Bishop Auckland, on Friday, October 20.