The News was given a first look at the changes in place in East Kilbride’s Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB) ahead of face-to -face appointments resuming.
We revealed last week that preparations were underway ahead of the by appointment reopening on October 1.
As lockdown measures continue to ease, clients are the key priority for CAB .
However, the current social distancing requirements mean that it can only operate two of its four interview rooms.
To provide the same professional service to the most vulnerable in our community they have had to prioritise the face-to-face appointments that they can make available.
Manager at EK CAB, Michelle Campbell, said: “Throughout the pandemic EKCAB have had to change and adapt our services very quickly, which we did extremely well, during lockdown we assisted 1001 clients of which 603 were new to our services, between them they raised 2638 contacts, we dealt with 6393 level one issues and some 7565 level three issues.
“Just under 25 per cent being benefit enquiries (of these 18 per cent are universal credit and 37 per cent are debt related.
“We have followed government and health guidelines which is why we are now able to return to offering a limited face to face service for the most vulnerable in our community.
“The board and the staff have all worked extremely hard to ensure as safe an environment as we can for both clients and also our staff.
“As we all know the current pandemic sees things changing very quickly, we are aware of this and we are constantly reviewing our operational procedures to ensure that we remain compliant.
“We would also advise that services may change at very short notice throughout the pandemic.”
For more information telephone 01355 263698; email administration@eastkilbridecab.casonline.org.uk or visit the website: www.ekcab.org.uk
