Citizens Advice offers mobile service
TWYFORD: Essential advice is now available ‘on the go’ thanks to a new mobile advice unit run by the charity Citizens Advice Wokingham, writes Melissa Paulden.
A new Volkswagen Crafter minibus, kitted out with wifi, leaflets, a soundproofed meeting room and even a kettle for that all-essential cuppa, is a concept being offered to locals in Twyford and 16 other areas across the Wokingham borough.
Citizens Advice offers advice on is- sues such as welfare benefits, housing issues, debt management and tips on consumer rights employment law and more.
One of just a few Citizens Advice buses in the country, the unit is aimed at bringing advice to people in hard to reach areas and to those who find formal meetings in more traditional office settings too daunting.
The Citizens Advice Wokingham van had its first outing in Twyford on Friday, where two trained representatives offered free and tailored advice to members of the public.
The service was offered in a flexible format – so users could schedule an allotted session or drop in for confidential advice without an appointment.
A report earlier in the year by one of Twyford’s Wokingham Borough Councillors, Cllr Stephen Conway (Lib Dem) highlighted a sharp rise in the cases of hardship experienced by families and individuals living in Twyford.
He welcomes the Citizens Advice bus and hopes to see it more in Twyford.
He said: “A big thank you to Citizens Advice Wokingham for sending their mobile unit to Stanlake Pavilion on Friday.
“CAW offers advice and help to
anyone in need, and works closely with the borough council.
“Twyford has seen a rise in contacts with CAW, mostly related to the current cost-of-living crisis.
“If you or anyone you know needs support please don’t hesitate to contact CAW; you will receive bespoke advice and guidance on a range of matters.”
CAW representative Trevor Wells said that the bus had been really well received during its first outing in Twyford and he predicts that even more people may need to access to the service as the growing cost of living crisis continues.
“We’re ready to help in any way that we can. Our volunteer numbers have increased to 70 now as more people are needing help and advice – and where we can’t help them ourselves we will signpost members of the public if they need other services, such as foodbanks,” he said.
Plans for the bus to be stationed regularly in supermarket car parks and at key locations at village fetes are underway.
The mobile unit calendar can be found at: citizensadvice wokingham.org.uk/