Local citizens advice bureaux are joining forces with other organisations to extend their services and try to reach people before a problem becomes a crisis.
They've been awarded Government funding to set up partnerships with groups such as Age UK, Shelter and Young Devon.
They also want to work with GPs' surgeries and trade unions, to reach people with health or work problems before the situation becomes really serious.
The Exeter CAB is receiving nearly 300 thousand pounds to fund the initiative - the CABs in East Devon and Teignbridge will each receive around £240,00.
The CABs will be recruiting new staff and volunteers as part of the initiative.
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