The last two and a half weeks has undoubtedly been very difficult for many people, not only having to get used to a new way of living to prevent the spread of a highly contagious virus but to protect our communities, our NHS staff, our Carers and the great many people who are still involved in delivering essential services for all our benefit.
On top of this there has been considerable upheaval across the region with workers being furloughed, being made redundant or their hours being cut. Workers and the self-employed were having to learn about claiming universal credit and other benefits that they may have been entitled to. Concerns about debt have loomed large in our minds.
Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (DAGCAS) has been supporting those people who needed our advice, guidance and experience during this time. To the 31st March we supported in excess 660 clients contacts with well over 1000 issues. The top 5 areas of advice were:
Benefits, Employment, Debt, Legal, Finance & Charitable Support (foodbank referrals and charitable grants).
Phil Stewart, CEO said, “I want to start by thanking our staff and volunteers for their commitment in ensuring that we are still delivering a service in these turbulent times. I recognise that without these qualities we would have been unable to assist the many across our region that have needed our support.
I would also like to thank our clients for their patience and understanding whilst we got our remote advice service set up to provide them with the support that they were needing. This would not have been easy for them wrestling with issues that caused great anxiety or stress.
We will be closed from Good Friday to Easter Monday, available again on Tuesday 14 April when we will be delighted to assist with any matters affecting you”.
We can be contacted on 0300 303 4321, at [email protected], or through our website at www.dagcas.org. We have a dedicated helpline for universal credit on 0800 023 2581 for those that are needing help. Our website also provides good up to date advice across a very broad range of topics.
Everyone at DAGCAS hopes that you stay safe and well and follow Government and NHS guidance.
