On Friday 22nd November we had a special guest speaker – John Kane from Citizens Advice.
John is from the local Citizens Advice office in Dunstable. He explained that although they are based in the Dunstable Leisure Centre, they help many people beyond the town and into the surrounding villages. However, for anyone living in Luton, they will need to approach the office in Luton for any advice.
The Citizens Advice service is completely free and confidential. Their advice can cover a wide range of issues – difficult neighbours, debts, housing problems, knowing your rights and the list goes on and on. They have a good understanding of the problems which people often face and are only too happy to help.
Citizens Advice also works closely with the local FoodBanks and can provide referral vouchers if necessary. They also work with the local Doctor’s surgeries to provide a Social Prescribing service – this is particularly helpful for people with non-medical problems, or where illness is linked to loneliness, isolation, depression etc.
John explained that they can even check to make sure everyone is getting the right benefits paid to them. This is a good thing to do as the rules can change of time to time.
Doug thanked John on behalf of the whole club, adding that everyone at the local Citizens Advice is very friendly and very patient, so nobody should feel rushed in any way.
The best way of getting in contact with Citizens Advice is by phoning their office – 01582 670003
Here is the link to the local Citizens Advice office – click here