In the weeks and months ahead as our homes dry out, many of us will be trying to repair the damage caused by Storm Desmond. Help is available, so please do use it.

Your local Citizens Advice can help you find out about your options and support you with filling in form, making phone calls and so on.

Apart from housing issues, there might be problems with benefit payments, problems with your job or money worries. Whatever the problem, we are here to help for free and in confidence.

The Cumbria Community Foundation’s Flood Recovery Appeal raised almost £5 million in the six weeks that followed December 5 and helped more than 1,300 Cumbrian families in need.

Support is available to individuals or families whose homes have significant structural damage or flooding and employees who have lost work or income because of storm or flood. Grants are also available to voluntary and community group.

Check the website for details and forms. www.cumbriafoundation.org.

The charity is still raising money and you can donate online or telephone 01900 825760.

The government has introduced several measures to help those hit by the floods. They include a £5,000 repair and renew grant for all affected homeowners and businesses and compensation to local authorities that exempt residents from paying some or all of their council tax because they've had to leave their home. Details of all the measures are available at www.gov.uk.

If you have difficulty getting flood insurance in high-risk areas, information and advice is available on the National Flood Forum website www.floodforum.org.uk or telephone 01299 403055.

DEFRA has published a guide entitled 'Obtaining flood insurance in high risk areas' giving information on how to obtain a suitable policy - it can be downloaded at www.defra.gov.uk

Free, confidential advice and help is available from South Lakes Citizens Advice Bureau on any aspect of debt, consumer problems, benefits, housing, employment and any other problems. We have various outlets across South Lakeland and can also give advice over the phone – telephone 015394 46464 for an appointment and help.