Save the CAB

I was greatly shocked to read about the Porirua City Council’s decision to reduce 2018 funding for the Porirua Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

The council is considering criteria for funding a new project focused on children and young persons and will fund the possible project by cutting funding to the CAB.

This is a noble plan to consider. However, as the CAB currently offers a free, confidential, impartial and independent help service for persons of all ages, and all walks of life regardless of race, political and religious beliefs, it can be noted that children and young persons already have a free help service that can be actioned when needed.

I have been a volunteer at the Porirua Citizen’s Bureau for several years. What has impressed me enormously has been the amount of shared knowledge my fellow volunteers have. They may not know all the answers, but they do know where to find the answers for those needing support and help to work through once impossible personal dilemmas.

If the local CAB is unable to obtain financial help from the council, or from an alternative source, closure could loom. Where else could Porirua’s needy residents go for free help and support, free food parcels when the money runs out, free legal advice regarding citizenship, financial planning, passport applications, relationship upsets, teenagers seeking employment information and personal support if and when life at home breaks down?

ROSE HUDSON Karori (abridged)