Community Advice Fermanagh has seen a steady rise in people seeking urgent financial help due to cost of living and fuel price increases. Manager Ian Graydon-Rhodes stated the service receives up to 30 referrals each day.

Advisors offer same-day support to vulnerable clients, including referrals to other services. They request photos of electricity meters from clients to process connections to assistance programs.

The organisation assists with income maximisation, budgeting, debt management, and identifying entitlement to financial support. Ian Graydon-Rhodes noted many individuals do not realise they qualify for benefits, and advisors conduct checks and guide applications.

One-to-one sessions and community talks address utility bills and household expenses. The service partners with regional groups, holding outreach clinics in Enniskillen with cancer charities and delivering sessions to students in local colleges.

The WRAP project involves rural networks and partners providing six-week household support with practical aid and wellbeing advice. Ian Graydon-Rhodes said more collaboration among Fermanagh organisations is required to share programme details.

Demand has built over months, with peaks around Christmas. Ian Graydon-Rhodes reported elderly clients choosing blankets over heating and cases where people received aid from unknown pensions.

Outreach efforts include financial wellbeing talks, such as one at a Women's Institute group that prompted half the attendees to book appointments within a week.