Issue - meetings

PARTNERS UPDATE

Meeting: 15/08/2023 - Bute and Cowal Community Planning Group (Item 8)

Opportunity for Verbal Updates

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Minutes:

Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau

 

Jen Broadhurst highlighted that Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) have been very busy and have supported just under 800 clients in the last 3 months with 370 of those being new to the bureau with the majority being in relation to welfare rights. Of those clients 218 were provided with welfare rights support, 41 were supported to access digital, food or fuel crisis funding.

 

Jen added that the overall client financial gain, generated from the advice provided was just under £360,000 with 78% of the funding being generated by Welfare Rights.

 

Jen also provided information on other areas such as the new data hub which provides statistical data on the range of clients that they support across the region; debt advice; the Armed Services advice project which has been extended until the end of the year; energy advice; the adviser training programme; the cost of care research; the updating of the Bureau’s business plan and the wellbeing networking event which is to be held on the 13th September.

 

It was also highlighted that CAB have partnered with Dunoon Foodbank to offer appointments and drop ins every couple of weeks.

 

Dunoon Community Development Trust

 

Ann Campbell highlighted that Dunoon Community Development Trust has just completed a recruitment phase following a successful grant application and advised that she has been appointed as Partnership and Development Manager with there also being a part time information engagement co-ordinator and a part time volunteering for wellbeing co-ordinator. Ann added that they are currently in the process of establishing the Trust as an employer and once confirmed as such further information will be shared with partners.

 

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