News / CAB outreach funding boost
THE LOCAL Citizens Advice Bureau will be able to continue its outreach work across Shetland until at least next spring after receiving new funding.
The branch has secured £13,210 from the Bank of Scotland Foundation’s medium grants programme to continue delivering drop-in sessions with an emphasis on energy advice in health centres in areas like the North Isles and the Westside until 31 March 2018.
Manager Karen Eunson said she was “delighted” to have secured the funding as otherwise the outreach service would have had to come to an end in October.
The programme currently visits Unst, Yell, Whalsay, Hillswick, Brae, Walls, Bixter and Levenwick.
“These sessions are really valued by local communities and we are seeing increasing numbers of people coming along,” Eunson said.
“We have been able to help people increase their incomes by checking they are getting all the benefits they are entitled to. We have also helped folk to better understand their energy bills and tariffs so they can use their heating more efficiently and thereby reduce their bills.
“In some cases, we have also been able to negotiate with energy companies on behalf of individuals for example to reduce debt repayments.”
She said that “folk can access advice on any topic at these outreach sessions, not just energy”.
Susan Bowie, who works as a GP at the Hillswick Health Centre, added that the service has been a “tremendous help” to people in Northmavine.
“[It is] easy access, and it means we can refer people who need help and they are seen quickly, and without them having to travel,” she said.
“Great in these times when so many services are centralised.”
She admitted that Shetland’s high levels of fuel poverty were likely to rise as a result of the increased cost.
To find out more about the outreach programme, visit the Shetland CAB Facebook page, contact the office on 01595 694696 or get in touch with your local health centre.
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