One Year On, South Lakes Citizens Advice are “Busier and More Needed Than Ever”
As South Lakes Citizens Advice approaches the one-year anniversary of relocating to its new offices in Wainwright’s Yard, just off Kendal High Street, the team was honoured to receive recognition for their work at the recent High Sheriff of Cumbria Awards. Furthermore, a review of their recent activities revealed their life-changing support, advice and volunteers are in more demand than ever.
The first port of call for many of us faced with a difficult or crisis situation, Citizens Advice uniquely offers a free, confidential and comprehensive advice service on a wide range of topics including debt, benefits, housing, health, relationships and employment. Not, as often incorrectly assumed, a government agency, they’re a network of local, not for profit charities funded entirely by grants and donations.
With the move to more accessible central premises, and a surprise personal thank-you to hardworking staff, volunteers, donors and benefactors from renowned Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis at last autumn’s open day, it’s been a busy year for South Lakes Citizens Advice, with clients welcoming the introduction of their open-door sessions on a Tuesday and Thursday. It is clear that the demand for face to face advice is increasing.
With rising prices and continuing uncertainty in volatile and squeezed times, the team know not to expect demand to lessen any time soon. Danny Thompson, who began volunteering after retiring last December, says it’s opened his eyes:
“When a friend suggested Citizens Advice, like many of us, I thought: there wasn’t much need in Kendal, but of course that’s wrong – our beautiful surroundings mask the reality that life is as tough for many here as anywhere. I now volunteer one or two days a week. I’m still training; it’s really well structured, and the support is incredible, you’re never left out of your depth.
“Those first few weeks were a real eye-opener, now I see how vital our support, and the specialist services we work with, truly are. I’m always recommending volunteering to friends, family- anyone. Just a day a week helps makes a difference, and it’s very rewarding.”
Danny’s experience is echoed by Fiona Armer, a volunteer for over 15 years: “I still remember people saying: ‘Why on earth are you going to do that?’. A lot of people think there are no problems round here, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. One lost job, significant or unexpected life event, and it could be any one of us. No two calls or clients are the same, everyone is warmly welcomed, respected, and helped.”
Karen Evans, Chief Officer at South Lakes Citizens Advice, has the responsibility of trying to match stretched resources to demand: “Our new offices literally opened the door to so many more, revealing just how many people need us, for a wide variety of issues. To help them, we need more volunteers to join our incredible team, whom I want to thank for their life-changing contributions over the last year.
“If you don’t feel providing advice is for you, we always need office assistance, fundraising, even making tea! As Danny says, there’s a minimum of six hours required, but we can be very flexible, and you’ll receive full training and support. As well as rewarding, benefits include making great friends, social activities, and learning new, transferable and life skills.
“If that could be you, please give us a call, or drop in for a chat. Or if you would be interested in joining our Trustees Board, to focus on the strategic direction of the service, again just contact us on 015394 47185.”
South Lakes Citizens Advice is at 1 Wainwright’s Yard, Kendal, LA9 4DP. For general enquiries, volunteering and donations, telephone and face to face appointments, walk in, call 015394 47185 or see: www.southlakescab.org.uk Open drop-in sessions are held Tuesdays and Thursdays 10.00am – 2.00pm.