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CAB restructures to improve services in Northumberland

A service, which has provided a lifeline to people across Northumberland, has streamlined its operation in a bid to reach more people than ever.

Three of the six branches of the Citizens Advice service in Northumberland have amalgamated to form Northumbrian CAB, which launched on 1 April.

The new organisation has taken over delivery of advice services from Alnwick, Berwick and West Northumberland CAB and hopes to build on their reputation for delivering high quality information and advice services with a strong local focus.

The charity is now appealing for financial and practical support to enable it to offer its wide range of services more widely across the county.

Along with free advice on issues such as benefits, debt, housing, health and education, Northumbrian CAB provides support on personal matters including discrimination, divorce, redundancy and bereavement.

Its team, which is made up of a small number of salaried staff and a large number of trained volunteers, also works in tandem with other local networks and partnerships to ensure those in need have direct access to the most appropriate and accessible support and advice.

As well as streamlining its operations, Northumbrian CAB hopes the merger will enable it to channel its resources more effectively, leading to better services for clients and greater financial stability.

All the CAB services are reliant on charitable funding and now Northumbrian CAB is appealing for additional support to help it continue its vital work.

“Whatever a person or a household is going through, however hopeless they may feel their situation to be, for whatever reason, the CAB can help,” said bureau manager Moira Macfarlane.

“However, because we rely so heavily on volunteers and donations, at present we are only able to help a small percentage of the local population.

“We know that in the current climate the number of people who need our support is far greater and so we would urge anyone who can help by donating or by volunteering to get in touch.”

Northumbrian CAB was supported through the merger process by Newcastle-based Square One Law. In addition to carrying out due diligence work and preparing transfer documentation, the company provided detailed advice on a range of issues including property and employment matters.

“Square One Law was very supportive of the aims and principles of the Citizens Advice Service and their experience of working with public and voluntary sector organisations was evident,” said Moira. “It was very much due to their support and professionalism that the merger process went as smoothly as it did.”

For further information about Northumbrian CAB’s services, to make a donation, or to enquire about volunteering, call 01665 604136 or email ceo@northumbriancab.cabnet.org.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by HFPR .