At the recent meeting of the Stirling Constituency Labour Party, Jim Roche, Chair of the Stirling District Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB), gave a presentation on the advice services and assistance offered to people across Stirling. From offering a drop in service at their offices in Upper Craigs, to providing outreach services in libraries across the District, CAB help Stirling’s citizens get support on everything from applying for benefits to changing energy supplier.
Jim talked about a new rural and Eastern Villages outreach service run in partnership with Stirling Council, which gives advice and support to people transitioning to the Tory’s horrendous Universal Credit benefits scheme.
Labour Councillor Chris Kane, who is Stirling Council’s Convenor of Community Planning & Regeneration, says,
“So many of the services we rely on in every day are only offered online, meaning we require access to a computer, access to the internet and the skills to use both. While our children are being swept along by the digital revolution, the rest of us are trying to ensure we’re not swept aside by it. Digital literacy should never be taken for granted and if you are struggling, please remember you are not alone. Through services such as the Rural and Eastern Villages Advice Network, Stirling Council and CAB staff are here to help. Not everybody can afford a computer, meaning Stirling Council’s libraries offer a digital lifeline for many people. We want to ensure that nobody is excluded and everyone can get appropriate advice and support as close to home as possible.”
CLP Secretary Jennifer Preston said,
“The Stirling District Citizen’s Advice Bureau work hand in hand with Stirling Council staff to provide Stirling’s citizens with the support they need, when they need it most. Under the current Tory Government, there has never been a greater need for a service like the one CAB have provided so well for so long. There are many things the Tory Government do that are bordering on inhumane, but the cack handed way they continue to mishandle the most vulnerable in our society through policies like Universal Credit is truly appalling. Hearing first hand from Jim some of the issues that CAB has to help people deal with was heartbreaking.”
If you are, or know anybody, who could benefit from speaking with CAB, you can get in touch as follows:
- CAB, 3 Cameronian Street, Stirling, FK8 2DX (their office is opposite the Stirling Observer office on Upper Craigs). The office offers a drop in service from 10am-3pm Mon-Thu.
- Outwith the drop in times, you can get in touch at any time by calling 0808 800 9060.
- You can visit the local CAB website at www.stirlingcab.org.uk