MONEY experts say that working parents in Inverclyde are struggling to feed their children because of the cost of living crisis.

The Wise Group arranged an advice day at the Oak Mall with partner agencies and people were queuing up outside for the event to start.

Cairne Quinn, team leader with their Fair Start Scotland service, says it shows the extent to which people are struggling to get by as household bills rise.

She said: "People are really struggling.

"We had one young dad who is currently working and he received a shopping voucher.

"He told us the cost of baby formula had gone up from £9 to £11.

"People are struggling to exist, never mind live."

The Wise Group works to try and lift people out of poverty and support them into a sustainable future.

They run an employability service which gets people into jobs, offer free access to training, support with CVs and also provide ongoing help.

Cairne said: "We had a real variety of people at the advice day and identified local residents potentially eligible for additional benefits and they will be supported to make claims.

"Home Energy Scotland were giving out advice and fuel top up vouchers and we provided goodie bags with washing tablets and toiletries and bags containing all the ingredients needed to make a pot of soup.

"We also gave out 500 shopping vouchers."

Soaring energy costs were highlighted as a big problem at the drop-in and Cairne believes that the benefits system is no longer functioning adequately as a safety net.

She told the Tele: "Universal Credit is no way to live.

"I did a mock week just to experience the reality of living on this benefit in January this year.

"I've never felt as demoralised in my whole life.

"I had no heating or hot water for a week – but for some people this is a reality with no end in sight

"One person who came to our advice day said she didn't want to do a washing because it would use too much electricity - other people are worried about having a bath.

"Washing shouldn't be a luxury to anyone."