The cost of living crisis has greatly increased to number of local people turning to Foodbanks for support. Working in collaboration with Dumfriesshire Foodbank, an adviser from Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (D&G CAS) attends for two days per week, to offer clients support to help resolve the crisis they face.
“When a client calls at the Foodbank, they are experiencing hardship. It makes complete sense for us to position ourselves where we can make the most impact, working in partnership with other organisations” said adviser Fiona Will.
The project aims to improve both the financial and the emotional wellbeing of clients, by helping them to claim all of the benefits they are entitled to and provide advice on money management, tackling the underlying causes of Foodbank referrals.
Fiona continued, “we can assist with energy vouchers and household goods. We’ve also helped with obtaining medical appointments, bus passes and signposting to other organisations who can help clients with more specific needs.”
D&G CAS Chief Executive, Phil Stewart commented, “I am delighted to be involved in such a valuable partnership with Dumfriesshire Foodbank. For us, it is about getting the right people in the right place at the right time to deliver advice that helps clients deal with the situation they find themselves in. Working with Dumfriesshire Foodbank enables us to do this.”
Centre Co-ordinator, Fiona Dalgleish said, “having Fiona work with us has been a god send. She has helped many service users with their issues, often going above and beyond to support people through what is a very difficult time for them. Fiona is a major asset to my team and we are so lucky to have her.”
