Ross advice bureau expands to meet demand
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TWO new outreach offices have been opened by the Ross and Cromarty Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) as demand for the lifeline service rises.
Tain now has an office and the Ross CAB is also offering a drop-in service in Invergordon to help meet the need for advice on a wide range of issues.
Mary MacDonald, manager of the Ross CAB, said once the offices are established the charity will be looking to develop more outreach clinics in the Black Isle and Ullapool area.
"Unfortunately demand for our service grows year on year," said Mrs MacDonald. "What we are finding is that because of their circumstances, people are finding it difficult to travel into Alness or Dingwall to access our offices. That’s why we felt the outreach offices were important, so that we can bring our services to the people who need it.
"The bedroom tax is still having an effect although the Scottish Government has been very good in negating that through its welfare fund but people still come to us to find out how to apply for it."
Mrs MacDonald said the CAB had seen a rise in enquiries across all categories.
In the last year, the housing case load went up from 858 enquiries to 1,202, while the number of people looking for advice on benefits shot up by 600, from 6,054 in 2012/13 to 6,680 last year.
In total, the CAB dealt with 746 more enquiries in 2013/14 than the previous year.
"Not all enquiries turn into cases," explained Mrs MacDonald. "Some are quick fixes, but we’re finding that enquiries that do turn into cases are much more complex than they have ever been, and that involves more time from our volunteers and the specialist staff supporting them."
Mrs MacDonald said funding the CAB’s work was an ongoing issue.
"One of the things that people forget is that we’re a charity," she said. "We do have some core funding from Highland Council but, as with everything else, that doesn’t go all the way to providing a service.
"However, Highland Council is one of the best local authorities in Scotland for supporting the CAB service so we are grateful for that."
Mrs MacDonald said the CAB was also very appreciative of the fundraising work done in the community, and by the volunteers themselves.
One such person is George Carson from Invergordon who became a CAB volunteer after he retired from Invergordon Job Centre last May.
Mr Carson is currently organising a fundraiser for the Ross CAB to coincide with its 75th anniversary and the opening of the two new outreach offices.
The event will be a cabaret night held in Invergordon Social Club on Friday, February 27, with the main attraction being a Blues Brothers tribute band and supporting act.
Mr Carson said: "I thought it would be good to try and raise much-needed funds for the CAB in recognition of the superb work they do throughout Ross-shire."
Tickets for the fundraiser, priced £10, are available through any of the local CAB offices or by phoning (01349) 883333.
