Citizens Advice Test Valley has secured a vital boost to continue supporting thousands of local residents, thanks to more than £301,000 per year in funding from Test Valley Borough Council’s Revenue Grants Scheme.
The three-year funding package will help the charity deliver free, impartial and confidential advice to people across the borough – including Romsey, Andover and rural areas. In the past year alone, almost 6,000 residents received help from Citizens Advice Test Valley, with outcomes valued at £1.1 million.
The organisation provides guidance on a wide range of issues, from debt and benefits to housing, consumer problems and more. Much of its work is carried out by volunteers, with outreach sessions also taking place at local foodbanks to ensure services are accessible to those most in need.
The council’s revenue grant has already supported key initiatives, such as the Advice First Aid project, and enabled the charity to keep its doors open five days a week.
Ange Moon, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Test Valley, said:
“Without the generous grant given to us by Test Valley each year, and the goodwill and commitment of our volunteers, the service provided to the community would be very different – or may not even exist. We are proud of the difference our service makes to the lives of people in our area and remain extremely grateful for the continued support.”
Councillor Phil North, Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, added:
“Citizens Advice Test Valley is a lifeline to many people in our community. This funding is an investment in the wellbeing of our borough – helping residents find a way forward during times of stress and uncertainty, and ensuring no one has to face complex problems alone.”
Cllr Maureen Flood, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said:
“This is exactly the kind of project our revenue funding is designed to support. The work Citizens Advice does has a lasting impact, empowering residents, easing pressure on other services, and building stronger communities for the next generation.”
Citizens Advice Test Valley also works closely with other local organisations, including Mind, Unity, housing associations and the borough council, as well as contributing to national campaigns to influence government policy.