DAWN Advice Says Advice Services Must Adapt
04 September 2009
DAWN Advice, a leading north east social enterprise, says the UK's network of support services must adapt to meet the needs of a changing society.
As the Citizens Advice Bureau celebrated its 70th birthday today, Liz Chadwick - Chief Executive of DAWN Advice which also operates Morpeth Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) - said soaring levels of personal debt means free and impartial advice services are as important today as ever before.
"History has taught us that there will always be vulnerable and disadvantaged groups within our society - this has been the case throughout the 70 years of Citizens Advice," she added.
"The CAB was originally launched following the start of World War II when rationing, evacuation and air raids were the main cause for concern. The banking crisis and the complexity of financial services were the furthest things on the country's mind in 1939; however they have become a very real issue for today's generation.
"As society, and in particular our region, changes and more people require support with varying legal issues help needs to be available, specifically for people living in rural areas, through alternative means such as telephone services, outreach services and increasing access to justice.
"People living across the north east have faced many different crises over the past 70 years and the one thing which has remained constant is the need for appropriate and quality impartial advice. Throughout its 70 year history the Citizens Advice Bureau really has helped pave the way to ensure that these services are always available to the people who need them most."