CAB is there to help whatever the problem (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

CAB is there to help whatever the problem

Volunteers at the Chippenham CAB office. 17247/1 FEATURE: The CAB offers advice on a wide range of problems but relies on volunteers. Zo Mills reports on their work.

WHEN coal miner Neil Feirn was made redundant in December 1992 it was the start of a personal crisis.

But he was desperate to help others in the same situation, and decided to become a volunteer for Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB).

"There were loads of people in the same boat as me," he said. "I wanted to help them as well as develop my skills and give something back to the community."

After 18 months Mr Feirn, who had moved to Wiltshire, was offered paid work with the CAB, helping people with disabilities claim benefits .

Since he began work at Chippenham's CAB in November 1997, Mr Feirn has helped thousands of people claim more than £2.4 million in benefits.

Sandi Sorell, manager of the bureau, paid tribute to her dedicated employee at the start of National Advice Week, which runs all this week.

"He's a proud Yorkshireman and a larger than life character," she said. "His success rate in challenging decisions made by the Job Centre and Social Security regarding benefits is over 80 per cent. He's a huge asset to the organisation."

Mrs Sorell became a volunteer 15 years ago after having her second child.

"I didn't want to go back into paid work but I did need something to keep my brain active," she said. "I was keen on the CAB's aims of helping people manage their problems." She became bureau manager in 1993.

Chippenham CAB started in 1987 with two members of staff and a budget of £25,000. Last year the CAB helped more than 10,000 people and raised £1 million in much-needed additional income for local people.

As well as Chippenham, it also runs drop-in sessions in Malmesbury, Wootton Bassett, Calne and Corsham.

All advisors have access to an electronic system, with up-to-date information on everything from adoption and abortion to youth court and wrongful imprisonment.

The most common problems it deals with are debt, housing, employment and relationship breakdowns.

Topical at the moment is advice for parents who can't afford the cost of school uniforms and for gay and lesbian couples, because the civil partnership laws are changing.

Mrs Sorell said: "Everything is confidential that's the foundation of our service. Someone might come in because they are being sexually harassed at work. We are non-judgemental, encourage people to tell us the full story and then they can act on our advice.

"We also help children who don't know where else to get help.

"Maybe they're 17, don't get on with their step-dad and he's kicked them out. Can he do that?"

The Chippenham CAB is currently running a pilot text project to encourage more youngsters to turn to the charity in their hour of need.

Text messages can be sent to 07949110085 and advice will be sent in return.

Volunteers are a core part of the service provided by the CAB.

Last year north Wiltshire volunteers provided support worth £134,000 to the CAB the equivalent of nine full time staff.

Tracey Wright-Ahilan, a volunteer for the last two years, said she got a real buzz out of helping people.

"Nobody knows their full rights and it's great informing people what they are entitled to," she said.

"I get a great feeling from that."

Mrs Sorell said: "We are often working with the most vulnerable people in the community who don't feel they've got anyone on their side."

The North Wiltshire CABs are open as follows Malmesbury, Wednesday, 10am-1pm; Wootton Bassett, Thursday, 10am-3pm; Calne, Tuesday, 10am-4pm and Friday, 10am-1pm; Corsham, Wednesday, 10am-1pm and Chippenham, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10am-1pm.

Telephone advice is also available between 10am and 4pm by calling 08451203707.

For specific housing advice call 01249 460441.