£1.2million 'unlocked' by Moray Citizens Advice Bureau
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Moray Citizens Advice Bureau has helped local people to the tune of £1.2 million during the pandemic, new statistics reveal.
With face-to-face advice restricted for much of the 2020/21 year, the bureau's staff and volunteers assisted 1953 people with various issues.
These included access to social security payments, employment entitlements and cheaper bills.
Mary Riley, the bureau's manager, said: "The last year has been like nothing any of us have ever faced but the way our staff and volunteers came together to support their community even when we had to stay apart has been truly inspiring.
"To deliver £1.2 million in gains for the people of Moray in the last year is incredible and something we are all very proud of.
"This is money that will go into the pockets of local people and will make a huge difference to their ability to make ends meet.
"As well as supporting individuals this money will also be spent in local businesses and help the whole community to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
"So much of our work requires face to face advice.
"Sometimes that is because of the complex nature of the issue, the vulnerability of the client, or just because people feel more comfortable talking to a friendly face.
"Lockdowns and social distancing posed immense challenges for us but our team took it in their stride and continued to deliver the best service possible to the community.
"The Moray Citizens Advice Bureau has been there for anybody needing advice and support for many years and we will be here to help our community for many more to come."
The bureau is now turning its focus to helping people through the post-pandemic recovery.
Advisors will be on hand to help as various support schemes like furlough begin to wind down and energy bills rise in the autumn.
