COUNCIL chiefs have handed a grant of £20,000 to Worcester’s Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) to help it increase its capacity to support local people.
The start of the new year always brings a surge in inquiries to Worcester CAB, particularly in the areas of debt, benefits, housing and employment. The impact of the ongoing pandemic is expected to further increase the demands for the CAB’s services.
The City Council has made the award from its £337,000 share of the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF), designed to help people who may struggle this winter to meet their basic needs, such as food and energy.
Sonya Gregory, Advice Services Manager for Citizens Advice Worcester, said: “We are pleased to have been awarded funding from Worcester City Council. This will make a difference to the level of service we can offer the local community. We will be able to employ staff to help people with the complex problems they are experiencing.
“This additional resource will be able to work alongside our volunteers when the more specialised areas of advice are required.
“Advice services are particularly important at the moment, as many people have found themselves facing difficult problems due to the financial and social consequences of the Covid-19 crisis and are not sure where to turn.
“We would like to thank Worcester City Council for their ongoing support of our service.”
Coun Marc Bayliss, leader of Worcester City Council, said: “The start of 2022 is another uncertain time for people across Worcester, and many will need the support that the CAB can offer. I am very pleased that we have been able to provide financial support to this very important organisation.”
Worcester CAB is based in The Hopmarket, off The Foregate.
City residents who need advice and support can call for free on 0808 278 7891 or text the word ADVICE followed by their name & postcode to 0786 00 77 311.
Support is also available online at citizensadviceworcester.org.uk.
