A NEW project has been launched in Dawlish to help residents struggling with energy bills.

Roots Community Enhancement has set up the Cosy Bags scheme in a bid to start to tackle the cost of living crisis.

A total of 40 of the bags are already to distribute to anyone seen to be in need.

They contain a hot water bottle, flask, hot chocolate, soup, hat, snood and gloves.

The packs also include information leaflets about how to get help and details about where to go for advice.

The Cosy Bags have been put together with funding for Dawlish residents, funded through county councillor Martin Wrigley’s Locality Fund and district councillor Lin Goodman-Bradbury’s community fund.

ROOTS Community Enhancement CIC is organising the campaign.

Its spokesman Rosie Dawson explained: ‘Through conversations with other groups locally, everyone is talking about the cost of living crisis.

‘I’ve heard people have been living off porridge rather than put their heating on.

‘People can go from month to month and don’t ask for any help or don’t know where to get it.

‘We understand people may be spending more time in libraries to keep warm.

‘These packs are available to anyone who is struggling, they can either self-refer or through GPs, libraries, churches or other organisations in Dawlish.’

Bags, which have been decorated with hand-stitched hearts made by Dawlish crafter DottieTess, can be available and delivered within 24 to 48 hours.

Information in the bags has been provide by Teignbridge Council and Dawlish Town Council.

The aim is to give a ‘warm boost’ to anyone struggling this winter and also provide a link to further help available.

Initially, the scheme is available in Dawlish for anyone struggling with energy bills or worried about heating their home.

If successful, ROOTS may look to expand the project to Teignmouth.

Morrisons supermarket in Teignmouth have supplied the bags.