AIRDRIE and Coatbridge Citizens Advice Bureaux are ensuring their staff, volunteers and clients can work in “a safe environment” before resuming face-to-face meetings.
The Scottish Government has announced that in-person provision can get back up and running for welfare, debt and income maximisation purposes, when alternative methods are unsuitable or not possible.
Responding to clients’ queries about the return of such services at the Monklands bureaux, Marian Tobin, manager of the Coatbridge bureau, said: “Within both local bureaux we have continued to provide advice to our clients through telephone and emails – and this has worked well.
“Since the beginning of April, we’ve supported 2292 clients with numerous issues; 1377 of those clients haven’t used a Citizens Advice Bureau in several years, so it’s good to know that we’re helping everyone who needs our help.
“Ultimately, we all want to get back to seeing our clients, however we need to make sure that our staff, volunteers and clients are in a safe environment to see each other face-to-face with added protection.
“We’re working towards an appointment system for our most vulnerable clients who cannot be supported by any other means but, at present, we will continue to answer any enquiries by telephone and email.
“So, please continue to contact Airdrie CAB on 01236 754109 or by emailing bureau@airdriecab.casonline.org.uk, and Coatbridge CAB on 01236 421447 or by emailing Adviser@coatbridgecab.casonline.org.uk.
“Our telephones are manned daily and we will get back to clients who may have to leave a voicemail; we will continue to deal with your enquiry, whether it’s about consumer, debt, benefits, employment or housing.
“We appreciate your understanding and as soon as it’s safe, we will be back face-to-face, though it will be by appointment.”
