Members of Rushmoor Borough Council’s Full Council have unanimously supported a notice of motion giving thanks to Citizens Advice Rushmoor, which has recently celebrated its 80th year of providing services and support to the communities of Aldershot and Farnborough.
The first Citizens Advice branch opened in Aldershot in 1940 during the Second World War and its Farnborough branch opened in 1964.
In proposing notice of motion, Councillor Calum Stewart (ward Councillor for Knellwood in Farnborough, Trustee and formally a volunteer for Citizens Advice Rushmoor) praised Citizens Advice Rushmoor for its commitment to the community of Rushmoor and its valuable work offering free, confidential, and independent advice.
Councillor Stewart said: “Citizens Advice Rushmoor is a true partner in our community and alongside the council, works tirelessly to support local people – helping them to access support on housing issues, preventing homelessness, tackling debt, supporting people into work, and helping our residents to access benefits that they are entitled to.”
Citizens Advice Rushmoor has a team of 40 staff and more than 100 volunteers, who in 2019 supported 9,000 residents with around 30,000 issues, covering areas such as debt, housing, employment, and benefits.
Councillor Stewart added: “We must also give recognition and thanks for the way in which Citizen Advice Rushmoor, like us all, has faced the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and adapted so quickly during this difficult time. The team has continued to provide services by phone and online and be a lifeline to many people, continuing with outreach work and being here for us all and we are so grateful.”
Alex Hughes, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Rushmoor, said: “As a team, we have felt privileged to be in a position to help the community in these challenging times. Our long history demonstrates how our service is here for people at times of crisis – this has rarely been more evident than in 2020.
Alex added: “The recognition from Rushmoor Borough Council has given a great lift to our hard-working team of staff and volunteers, strengthening and reaffirming our local partnership.”
Further information about Citizens Advice Rushmoor is available by going to www.citizensadvicerushmoor.org.uk.
To watch a short video produced by the team at Citizens Advice Rushmoor go to https://bit.ly/Citizensadvicerushmoor
Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering opportunities with Citizens Advice Rushmoor can contact volunteers@citizensadvicerushmoor.org.uk or go to www.citizensadvicerushmoor.org.uk/category/vacancies/ for current volunteer roles and an application form.