Citizens Advice reopens in Wake House, Bourne

A town’s ‘independently minded’ community has helped an advice service return.

Citizens Advice has relaunched its face-to-face services in Wake House, Bourne.

The branch previously operated from the building but was closed during the pandemic due to funding issues and services became online only.

Sean Betts, impact officer for Citizens Advice, described the service as ‘a way forward’ for those struggling and that more people will seek help now it has returned to the town.

He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to be back in Bourne.

“This sort of service shows we are here for the residents to help with the issues they face.

“Because it is in Bourne, residents will be able to get that face-to-face advice.

“They don’t have to travel as we are here in the heart of it.”

The service provides free, confidential and impartial advice on legal, debt, consumer, housing and other issues.

All volunteers receive training.

Bourne United Charities, The Len Pick Trust and Bourne Town Council provided grants to support the return of Citizens Advice which officially launched on Friday last week.

Mayor of Bourne, Anna Kelly, who was among those campaigning for the return of the centre, described it as ‘absolutely important’.

“We were aware Bourne wasn’t getting the services and the town council was worried, as was Bourne United Charities and the Len Pick Trust,” said Coun Kelly.

“Between us we put massive funding in to make sure it came back to

Bourne.”

She described getting the service back as an easy process as Bourne is an ‘amazing community’ where many of the groups are linked.

“Bourne is good at being independently minded,” Coun Kelly added.

“If we decide something we want to do, we get on and

do it.”

With the cost of living and inflation it is believed the service is even more vital.

“ The need was already there but now so many things have changed with the cost of living and inflation," said Coun Kelly.

“Economic and emotional issues are both a big thing, and this is the place they can sort these out and get their lives together.”

People are able to drop by from 9.30am to 11.30am on Mondays and Thursdays.

Volunteers and staff also arrange appointments on the afternoons of those days for more specific advice.