Spirit of the Community award for Airdrie Citizens’ Advice

Airdrie Citizens’Advice Bureau has been awarded thousands of pounds after being recognised for its work in the community.

The bureau received a £5000 funding boost from Clydesdale Bank’s Spirit of the Community awards at a recent ceremony in Glasgow.

Now in its sixth year, the awards recognise charities and not-for-profit organisations for their invaluable contributions, with the bank having donated £80,000 to 15 community groups across Scotland this year.

Airdrie CAB has served the town for almost 50 years.

It provides independent, free and confidential advice to those in need on money and debt-related issues, and welfare rights and housing.

It also offers services ranging from signposting to qualified legal representation.

Aaliya Seyal, manager at Airdrie CAB, told the Advertiser:“We are grateful to have been awarded the Clydesdale Bank Spirit of the Community award.

“The award will allow us to support our communities and build financial management skills in a growing digital world. In particular we are keen to ensure communities are not paying the price of remaining offline.

“The grant is timely in the face of anticipated increased financial hardship for families following the full roll out of Universal Credit in North Lanarkshire in April.”

Invaluable support Aaliya Seyal, second left, with colleagues and representatives from Clydesdale Bank