MP helps new Fenland CAB launch video advice service

Steve Barclay, MP for North East Cambridgeshire, joined guests at the new Fenland CAB premises last week to launch their Advicehub video-conferencing advice service.  This innovative technology is designed to help more clients access specialist advice services without leaving their own communities.  It will work by linking people from specially designed purpose-built Advicehub desktop touch-screen kiosks to professional advisers based anywhere in the county.  There are currently nine Advicehub kiosks installed in community locations around Fenland.

After witnessing the first remote interview trialled at the event, he said, “The important work done by the CAB in supporting residents in times of difficulty is vital.  By advising people early on with problems like debt, it can save further difficulties from occurring and it provides excellent value for money for communities – both economic and social – by helping people to get their lives back on track.”.

Fenland CAB was also celebrating its move into new premises at 9 Church Mews in Wisbech – an airy and pleasant space for clients, volunteers and staff of the Bureau.  Beverley Howard, Chief Officer at Fenland CAB, said, “We are really pleased that we can now offer a welcoming environment for our increasing number of clients.  Last year we answered over 23,000 enquiries from residents, with the main areas of concern being debt, benefits and employment.  Our new training facility will enable us to train more volunteers so we can help even more people in the forthcoming year.”.

Fenland CAB has been in existence for 32 years and as well as advising people on their legal rights and responsibilities, it also looks at ways to prevent problems, such as helping people to look at ways of making the most of their income and managing their finances.

To cope with the increasing demand for advice, the Bureau needs more volunteers to train in a variety of roles including reception, administration and IT.  Beverley Howard said, “We are particularly looking for people who are able to commit to at least six hours a week to train as Gateway advisers.  This is a great opportunity for people to make a real difference in the community and also to gain valuable skills.”.  For more details, email manager@fenland.cabnet.org.uk or call the Volunteer Helpline on 08451 264 264 

The Bureau offers an excellent training/meeting room for hire at reasonable rates – email manager@fenlandcabnet.org.uk for more details if you are looking for a venue for an event.

For more information about Advicehub kiosks, and to find your nearest location, see www.advicehub.org/advice/advicehub-locations