The coronavirus lockdown and its aftermath has highlighted the growing need for help with debt, benefits, employment, housing, relationship breakdowns and consumer problems in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Last year, Citizens Advice saw more than 9,000 people in the county and this number is expected to grow substantially this year.
To help us reach more people in more areas of the county, we’re opening a network of Help Hubs, where people can use a computer near them to find answers to their questions and have face-to-face online appointments with an adviser. There is also a phone to speak direct to an adviser.
No experience in using computers is necessary, because staff and volunteers at each venue will set-up the computers and arrange appointments for you. If you have some computer skills, you can still use the hub – it’s available for everyone.
The computers are placed in secure areas, so your conversations won’t be overheard. If you want to use the service or make an appointment with an adviser, just ask a member of staff or volunteer at your local centre at the Launceston Gateway Centre.
The new service means even more people will be able to access our service, which is free, independent and confidential and run by a highly trained team of advisers who are used to answering a wide range of questions and getting you the help you need.
By Gill Pipkin (Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Cornwall)