The Vectis 40s Vintage Group this week joined Isle of Wight Citizens Advice staff and volunteers to wish the national charity a happy 80th birthday.
Citizens Advice first opened their doors on 4th September 1939, opening 200 bureaux nationwide to give the public advice on wartime problems such as blackouts, travel restrictions, rationing and homelessness through bombing raids.
After the war finished, Citizens Advice Bureaux remained open as advice was still needed on continuing wartime restrictions and the problem of rehoming the bombed-out population and returning servicemen and women. During the next 50 years it was able to give advice on emerging issues such as the new National Health system, the effects of deregulation of the private rental sector, benefit reforms of the 80s and more recently the introduction of Universal Credit.
Citizens Advice opened a bureau on the Isle of Wight in 1964 and since then have been providing Island residents with a free, impartial advice service, supported by Citizens Advice nationally. Bill Birch, who was the first adviser on the Isle of Wight was interviewed by The Islander Magazine in 1965 and said:
“By December of 1965, the Bureau had received 533 enquiries, and in the first quarter of the following year, a further 200, which indicated that the total for 1966 was likely to be in excess of 1000. There was no longer any doubt about the need for the C.A.B on the Island”.
Bringing us up to the present day, Paul Savill, CEO, said:
“Since its inauguration Citizens Advice has relied on the skills and expertise of volunteers. In the early days the workforce was largely women, but now our volunteers are a good cross-section of men and women. Our youngest trainee volunteer is 18 and our oldest volunteer was also 80 this year. We are always looking for more volunteers to fill what is a very rewarding role.”
During their 80th birthday week, Isle of Wight Citizens Advice is launching the ‘Understanding Energy’ campaign for this year. The focus will be on understanding energy bills, helping residents save money and energy and providing advice on energy bills. This is an ongoing campaign after Citizens Advice persuaded energy networks in 2017 to give money back to people in Great Britain after it found they made £7.5 billion in excess profits.
Sandy Belfitt, Service Delivery Manager, said:
“For more information about becoming a volunteer Adviser or for advice on energy or any other matter, please drop in and see us in the Isle Help Advice Centre at County Hall Mon-Fri 9-4.30 or Tues and Fri 9.30-2.30 in Ryde library, or ring on 01983 823898 extension 2828 for an appointment at one of our many Community Advice Sessions across the IW”.
