We are still here to help... an open letter from your Citizens Advice Bureau
DEAR READERS,
For more than 40 years, Renfrewshire CAB has been committed to supporting the community and now, more than ever, we must work together to support each other.
My thoughts go out to all the people who have been affected by coronavirus and I want to personally assure you that the entire CAB team is committed to doing everything we can to support you through this challenging period.
We are working tirelessly to continue to deliver the firstclass personal advice service you have come to expect from us and I would like to take this opportunity to inform you about the measures we have put in place
ENSURING THE WELL-BEING OF CLIENTS AND EMPLOYEES
First and foremost, the safety and well-being of our clients and colleagues is our main priority so we have made changes to our working practices.
We have already implemented procedures which enable our staff to work securely and effectively from home.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU
We are committed to providing the advice and support that you will need during this uncertain period.
To enable us to help those clients who need us most, we need your help.
We ask that clients with nonemergency enquiries visit www. citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland where you will find information on Covid- 19, scams, benefits, employment, debt, housing and law, to name but a few.
The information is updated daily, so I would encourage you to make use of our information system at this time.
If your enquiry is more urgent you can send us a secure message through ren-bureau@paisleycab. casonline.org.uk
By using these methods you will allow us to release telephony capacity and assist those clients who have more complex needs.
Our phone line is currently experiencing an unprecedented volume of calls, so please bear with us.
We recognise your needs will differ and therefore we will be dealing with clients on a caseby-case basis.
If we are currently dealing with your case you will be contacted by a member of our staff.
If you have a case with MJC
Law, I understand their staff representative will also be contacting their clients.
In addition, over the past few months, we have been working closely with the Express and Paisley FM radio station.
Collaboratively we have agreed we will alternate between the two media providers to give advice on the many topics we currently cover but also to provide the latest updates on Covid-19 and how this will affect your employment, self-employment, benefits etc.
We are endeavouring to get as much information out to you as quickly as possible and by many different platforms.
I would encourage you to keep up to date with our Express column and listen to our Paisley FM broadcasts.
You should also connect to our Facebook and Twitter pages.
MOVING FORWARD
We appreciate that there is a lot of uncertainty at the moment.
The environment is changing rapidly and we will continue to respond at pace and in line with the latest government advice.
We are looking in detail at the wide-ranging interventions announced by both the Prime Minister and Chancellor, assessing the impact on our clients and exploring opportunities to provide additional support.
I want to reiterate that Renfrewshire CAB is secure and resilient with a proven track record of supporting our community.
Now is the time for unity. With the collaboration, support and kindness that we give to each other, we will get through these unprecedented times.
To affirm our commitment to the community we have asked Charlie and Honey, our resident teddy bears, to stand resilient at our windows.
Stay safe, stay secure, stay isolated.
Kay Taylor Renfrewshire CAB
We are committed to providing the support and advice you need during this uncertain period