Sterling work by Citizens Advice
Like many good causes, the Citizens Advice Bureau West Lothian was hit hard by the pandemic.
The charity had to close the doors of all of its offices in March last year – but that didn’t stop volunteers giving out free, confidential, impartial advice to local people.
And the service quickly transitioned to offering its service by telephone and online.
CAB is now getting back to gradually offering more face-to-face services to people across West Lothian.
CEO Karen Nailen said adapting to the covid restrictions was no mean feat.
She said: “It was quite an operation. We had to quickly ferry all our equipment from the office to our advisers’ homes and in some cases we had to install better connections for them, and we also had to strengthen our online advice presence.
“But our full service was up and running in no time, and has been running very smoothly for these 18 months.
“Now we are gradually back in the office and again offering the face-to-face advice that is so important to people but we also continue to offer our advice by phone and online as well.
“So in a way the lockdown has tested us, as it tested all organisations, but we came through with flying colours. Our advice was always there for people – we didn’t skip a beat.”
Over the covid lockdown period CAB helped 20,000 people in need and assisted them with 35,000 issues and problems – a 35 per cent increase in previous years, something Karen and her team are immensely proud of.
She added: “Every one of those cases was someone who was really needing help but we recognise that the challenges for our clients will continue.”
Bureau manager Brian Jeffrey said this winter is set to be really challenging for so many families across Scotland.
He explained: “The combination of rising energy bills, the end of furlough and the £20 weekly reduction in Universal Credit has created a perfect storm for many people who were already experiencing money problems or who were just managing to get by.
“We run a number of value added projects which includes the Money Talks project. The project will identify any income maximisation issues that can be addressed such as applying for any benefits that may be available and also looking at possibilities for reducing expenditure.
“It is essentially aimed at clients and families who may be struggling with money and as a result might be finding difficulty in heating their home, feeding them or their family or simply concerned about money.”
Another vital project clients have access to is the Help to Claim project that helps clients claims and navigate their way through claiming Universal Credit. Both projects can be contacted on 444814.
Brian added: “So if you contact us, we will offer you expert advice, which is nonjudgemental, confidential and effective. We will look at ways to boost your income, make savings and cut the cost of daily living.”
CAB is available Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 4.30pm by calling 01506 432977, emailing enquiries@cabwestlothian. casonline.org.uk, texting 07712 305764 or by visiting www.cabwestlothian.org.uk.
Face to face appointments are currently by appointment only. Please make contact to book an appointment.
CAB also needs volunteers. There are a broad range of volunteering roles available in West Lothian Citizens Advice Bureau, so you can use your knowledge, skills and experience where it matters most. From adviser roles to behind-the-scenes support, you can choose where you think you’ll make the greatest impact.
Contact Louise Crozier by emailing Louise. crozier@CABWestLothian.casonline.org.uk or call 07788183183.