Webchat advice option

The latest technology is being utilised to ensure people in east Perthshire and beyond can access support available from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB).

Perth CAB operates throughout Perth and Kinross and offered outreach services in Blairgowrie prior to the onset of the pandemic.

Throughout the outbreak, the bureau’s advice services have been a lifeline, providing help to more than 5600 residents.

The bureau has dealt with a wide range of issues over the past year, with the three highest areas being employment, debt and benefits.

The vast majority of support has been given over the telephone or by using email so far, but a new webchat has been launched to increase Perth CAB’s reach.

Perth CAB CEO Jane Adams said: “The past year has shown that we can give high-quality advice and support to people remotely by phone and email.

“We want to give people even greater choice about how they contact us and ensure we continue to be an accessible service to all.

“Our new webchat will provide that extra option providing flexibility and choice.”

Organisers have said the webchat will be available between 10am and 1pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Jane continued:“We know taking that first step to seeking advice is the hardest, so we want to make sure that people can choose the option they are most comfortable with.

“We want to make it as easy as possible to get in touch with us for help – it may be for a quick question, a second opinion or perhaps something that has been a worry for some time like debts that have been building up.”

Once restrictions are lifted Perth CAB will be able to see those who prefer to have face-to-face interaction, but the other avenues of communication will remain open.

Operations manager Catherine Harper said:“This past year people have faced issues that they have never had to face before – 74 per cent of our clients this year have been new to using the service.

“As the country opens back up we don’t expect to see a reduction in demand as the impact of the pandemic continues to affect those in Perth and Kinross.

“If people need advice we urge them to get in touch with us – we’re here to help.”

• Contact Perth CAB via www. perthcab.org.uk , calling 01738 450580 or email advice@perthcab. org.uk.

If people need advice we urge them to get in touch – we’re here to help