The Princess Royal visited Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck on Tuesday 13th May to celebrate the second birthday of its Advice Bus.
Her Royal Highness, who is Patron of National Citizens Advice, was shown around the Advice Bus which has helped over 3,000 residents since 2023 when it was first on the road. The Advice Bus, reaches out to rural communities, bringing vital support and guidance to those who need it most.
Helen Goldsack, Chief Exective Officer, Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck said: “We are delighted that The Princess Royal visited our Advice Bus and met with the staff and volunteers who work hard to make a difference to the lives of so many local people.”
“The Princess Royal’s presence today highlights the importance of this initiative and the positive impact it continues to have. It has given much needed support to those who live in rurally isolated communities and who may not necessarily have been able to access existing services.”
In 2024, Citizens Advice in East Dorset helped over 5,000 people with over 27,000 issues.
Helen says: “The demand for our service continues to increase and we are adapting our service to meet demand. The Advice Bus is an example of this and how we now help people living in rural communities who previously may not have been able to access our service.”
Alan Breakwell, Chair of Trustees, Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck, together with Helen Goldsack also showed Her Royal Highness inside the office in Wimborne where she met with volunteers and staff who provide advice about a range of issues including debt, housing, energy and more.
Helen continues: “We would like to thank our funders Wessex Water, Bournemouth Water and The National Lottery Community Fund, whose support has been instrumental in getting our Advice Bus on the road.”
The Advice Bus stops at locations across East Dorset & Purbeck including:
East Dorset: Corfe Mullen, Sixpenny Handley, Three Legged Cross, Verwood and West Moors
Purbeck: Bovington, Corfe Castle, Lytchett Matravers, Swanage, Winfrith and Wool
Visit our website for Advice Bus days, times and addresses www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk/get-advice/advice-bus
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Photo Caption: HRH The Princess Royal Visits Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck to celebrate the second birthday of its Advice Bus
About Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck
Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck have offices in Wareham and Wimborne with outreaches throughout East Dorset and Purbeck.
Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck is able to offer free advice and support on a range of different issues include, debt, benefits, employment, housing and relationships. Call the Dorset Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 or visit www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk
Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck is a registered charity, charity number: 1068414
