A big thank you to Stratford Town Trust from local Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice South Warwickshire said a big thank you to Stratford Town Trust for their funding grant of nearly £55,000.

The cheque was presented when the Town Trust representatives came to visit the Citizens Advice offices in Stratford to see first-hand the work being carried out for the local area.

In 2016/17, Citizens Advice helped nearly 2000 residents in the town with more than 7,000 different issues – mainly to do with benefits, debt, housing and employment problems. 

Yvonne Hunter, Chair of Citizens Advice South Warwickshire said

“Many people think we are fully funded by the Government, but in fact we have to raise funds just like any other charity.  Having long term supporters like the Town Trust is invaluable.  It helps ensure continuity of our services and is a platform from which we can raise other funds”

“We continue to see people with more complex issues that require urgent attention.  This includes helping people who are threatened with homelessness and residents who lack basic necessities such as food and fuel”.

Claire Bowry, Grants Manager for the Town Trust said: ‘The Town Trust is proud to contribute to the funding for the vital services provided by Citizens Advice South Warwickshire to the residents of Stratford upon Avon. The dedication and knowledge of its staff and volunteers mean that clients receive support that can change their lives when they turn to CASW for help.’

The Town Trust funding will go towards providing free and confidential advice to town residents.  It will also enable Citizens Advice to offer a home visit service for local people who, through disability, illness or caring responsibilities, find it difficult to get to their Meer Street offices.

Since 2001, Stratford Town Trust has awarded nearly £1 million to support Citizens Advice Services in Stratford-upon-Avon.