Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis sent a video message to a Cumbrian Citizens Advice branch to congratulate it on its work.
South Lakes Citizens Advice held an open day at its premises in Wainwright’s Yard, Kendal, to thank hardworking staff, volunteers, funders, donors and benefactors.
Since it opened its doors in the new building three months ago, its chief officer Karen Evans and board of trustees chair Alan Chesters announced that the charity has taken on 209 new clients in addition to current cases, a workload increase of 300%.
Kept carefully under wraps, the big surprise of the event was a personal onscreen appearance by Martin Lewis
A long-term champion of Citizens Advice, he called South Lakes Citizens Advice true lifesavers, congratulated them on the new office’s success and wished everyone success in equally busy times ahead.
Clare Moriarty, chief executive officer of the National Citizens Advice travelled from London to celebrate the incredible achievements and other guests included MP Tim Farron. Westmorland & Furness Council leader Jonathan Brook and Kendal mayor Jonathan Cornthwaite.
Karen said: “The commitment from such high-profile attendees wanting to give their personal praise and support underlines the vital work done by our staff and volunteers.
“People largely still incorrectly assume we’re a government agency; we are not. Funded entirely by grants and donations, we are the only not-for-profit charity offering a free, confidential and comprehensive advice service on topics including debt, welfare benefits, employment, housing, relationships and much more.
“As the numbers show, need for our services continues to soar. To continue to help increasing numbers of people beating a path to our new doors, plus our doors in Ulverston and our outreach work based in Windermere and District Food bank, we’re always seeking new volunteers and financial support.
“With a wide variety of flexible roles, I think everyone here would say it’s incredibly rewarding – and not many people get Martin Lewis hailing you a ‘lifesaver’!”
South Lakes Citizens Advice is at 1 Wainwright’s Yard, Kendal. For general enquiries, volunteering and donations, telephone and face to face appointments, walk in, ring 0808 2787984, or see www.southlakescab.org.uk. Open drop-in sessions are held Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 1pm.
