Like all organisations, Citizens Advice Reigate and Banstead has changed a lot in response to Covid-19. But according to Chief Executive Andrea Dunhill “The essential changes have also meant transforming and strengthening the service for clients and the community”.
Speaking at a volunteer and staff meeting last month, Andrea pointed to a 20% increase in client numbers despite the closure of our offices – ‘an amazing response in the circumstances’. Trustees and managers were looking hard at how to recommence face-to-face support but it was unlikely we could do this safely until next year.
People
She had good news too about people at CARBS. We’re looking to appoint an Outreach Adviser to support vulnerable clients who find online or phone contact difficult. Recent listings with VARB* had encouraged some excellent new volunteer advisers to join. And the trustees have welcomed 5 highly experienced new members to the board.