CAB support in community libraries

Stirling District Citizens Advice Bureau will now be offering drop-in sessions across seven rural libraries to meet the growing community demand.

The sessions are being run in conjunction with Stirling Council Archives and Library Service and, in addition to the already well-established service that was held in Callander Library (pre lockdown), further drop-in sessions are scheduled to occur in Killin, Balfron, Strathblane, Fallin, Plean and

Cowie Libraries.

The outreach service is already underway, having begun in early September.

During the Covid restrictions advice and assistance was only able to be provided via remote telephone or web-chat means. By re-engaging in face-to-face appointments in local communities CAB aims to offer a holistic and wider reaching service, providing residents with free, independent, impartial, and confidential advice on a range of issues.

Craig Anderson, CEO of Stirling CAB said:“The prolonged restrictions and continuing aftermath of the global Covid pandemic have hit our communities hard, and Stirling District Citizens Advice Bureau aim to address and assist clients in rectifying these hardships. Specialist accessible advice can be sought on debt, benefit entitlement, fuel, and housing issues, as well as support with food capacity and wider community issues”.

Stirling Council’s community planning and regeneration convener Councillor Chris Kane said:“Our libraries are important community hubs that offer so much more to local areas than simply loaning books. By working together with Stirling District CAB we can help them get right into the heart of our rural communities to provide essential advice and support.’’