Purbeck Citizens Advice has received a £10,000 grant to furnish its confidential interview rooms and create a welcoming reception area for visitors.
The charity, which is based in Mill Lane in Wareham, has received the funds from the grant giving charity, Talbot Village Trust (TVT), after a major refurbishment of the building by Wareham Town Council. Money from TVT has also been spent on two private telephone booths for people to use to contact different agencies.
Helen Goldsack, manager of Purbeck Citizens Advice, said that before the work was carried out, the building was becoming increasingly unsuitable as demand for the staff and volunteers’ services increased.
She added: “We are very grateful for the generous support of TVT for our building refurbishment.
“The funding has made a considerable difference to the work we do here in Wareham. Our clients tell us that the new waiting room area is a great improvement and most of those who remember our old building are astounded by the transformation.”
Helen said that it is really important that they create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere for people to visit, especially when they are at a point in their life where they may be experiencing ‘great distress or turmoil.’
“The new building has also created a much more suitable working environment for our volunteers and staff, who will sometimes need to carry out difficult and challenging work.”
Purbeck Citizens Advice has been based in Mill Lane for the past 18 years, and offers free, confidential and impartial advice to people living in the area on issues including housing, benefits, debt, work, law and rights, and education.
Russell Lucas Rowe, Trustee, said: “Purbeck Citizens Advice is a vital service which provides advice to all members of the community and we are pleased to have provided the equipment needed to continue the day-to-day operation of the charity.
“The Trust is glad to have been given the opportunity to ensure that the residents continue to receive the same level of support in all aspects of life for many years to come.”
Talbot Village Trust meets biannually, and will be accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area before the Trustees meet again in November.
For more information, go to Talbotvillagetrust.org