A CHARITY based in Yate has reopened other offices in other South Gloucestershire areas which had been closed due to 'funding constraints'.
Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire closed its office in the High Street, Staple Hill in 2022 after a funding reduction.
But now the charity will return with a free weekly advice session for local residents - thanks to funding from the newly-formed Staple Hill and Mangotsfield Parish Council.
This means that Staple Hill and Mangotsfield residents who until now had to travel to Yate for face-to-face advice will be able to access free, independent and confidential advice from a trained adviser in person each week on Fridays from 10am to 12 noon.
The sessions will be held at Page Community Association, at Page Road, Staple Hill, BS16 4NE, beginning Friday, July 5.
Advice can cover virtually anything - including benefits, debt, housing, cost-of-living support, domestic abuse and employment issues.
There is no need to book an appointment – just turn up on the day to see a trained, generalist adviser.
If the issue is complex, the charity will arrange a follow-up appointment.
Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire’s chief executive officer Chantal Watts said: “Closing our office in Staple Hill due to funding constraints was a crushing blow to us as a charity and we’ve been keen to return to the area ever since.
“Even though Staple Hill and Mangotsfield residents have still been served by us from Yate, its invaluable to have a session in your local neighbourhood.
“So we are thrilled to be able to provide a new face-to-face advice session thanks to funding from Staple Hill and Mangotsfield Parish Council.
“This will be open to Staple Hill and Mangotsfield residents every week and we look forward to being able to help people with their issues.”
Cllr Ian Campbell, chair of Staple Hill and Mangotsfield Parish Council, said: “Staple Hill and Mangotsfield Parish councillors were thrilled to reintroduce a Citizens Advice service.
“Ensuring we had a local touchpoint for the community was a top priority in our decision, and we hope the service proves to be successful and beneficial for residents in need of advice."
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