Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck are raising funds for a Crisis Support Bus which will provide vulnerable Dorset residents with access to free advice and support.
The cost of living crisis has meant that many more people are in need of advice with some unable to access current services due to rural isolation, restricted mobility, cost of fuel or limited access to public transport. The mobile advice unit will deliver a service to rural areas and for those who cannot easily access outreaches, local libraries or are digitally excluded.
Katrina Ford, Business Development Manager, Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck, said: “We have seen a big increase in the number of people turning to us for advice and they are struggling to afford heating and pay bills. We are most worried about those on the lowest incomes including the elderly, vulnerable and disadvantaged. Many of whom have the additional barrier of being rurally and socially isolated.”
“The Crisis Support Bus will be an easy to access, one stop shop for these residents, whilst ensuring accessibility to a diverse range of people, including those at a greater risk of disadvantage, detriment or harm.”
Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck is an independent charity and relies upon grants and donations to fund their service and are looking for donations to help fund the Crisis Support Bus.
Katrina adds: “We are hoping to have the bus in the local community early 2023. To help achieve this, we are looking for support from local businesses and individuals to help fund the on-going running costs of the bus. There are lots of opportunities for local businesses to get involved, including having a logo on our bus in return for a donation. If anyone is willing to help, we’d love to hear from you!”
Donations to the Crisis Support Bus can be made on Aviva’s Community Fund page www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/cost-of-living-crisis-support-bus. Aviva will match fund the amount raised. Alternatively, visit www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk or email [email protected] for more information.
For general advice and support call the Dorset Adviceline on our freephone line 0800 144 8848 (Textphone: 0800 144 8884), 10am-4pm weekdays or visit www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk
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Notes to editors:
Photo caption – Citizens Advice are raising funds for a Crisis Support Bus
(Photo is of a bus owned by another Citizens Advice office)
For more information contact: Sian Smith, Comms Officer, tel: 01929 408947, email: [email protected]
About Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck
Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck have offices in Wareham and Wimborne with outreach clinics throughout East Dorset and Purbeck.
Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities to enable them to find a way forward whatever problems they face. We value diversity, promote equality, challenge discrimination wherever we see it and aim to improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. Visit www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk for more information.
Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck is a registered charity, charity number: 1068414
