TORRIDGE, North, Mid and West Devon Citizens Advice, which runs the Citizens Advice service in Crediton, has been awarded funding from “Awards for All”, which is a part of the Big Lottery Fund, to support a project called “In line to Online”.

The funding will help the Citizens Advice service to address the increase in demand for digital advice by recruiting and training up to 16 Adviceline telephone, webchat and email volunteer advisers.

These advisers will provide assisted information and advice digitally across Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon.

The charity has seen a 35 per cent increase in client issues during the past 12 months as more people in the area require support on complex matters.

While the charity’s face-to-face sessions are limited to part-time office hours, including in Crediton, it means that those unable to access one of the charity’s local offices will have a better opportunity to get the advice it requires.

Through local pilots, Citizens Advice has established that it can support three clients digitally to everyone it sees face-to-face.

It adds that webchat and email advice increases capacity and helps to reduce waiting times and queues at our offices.

Vicki Rowe, CEO, explains: “We are really excited to start the project and are grateful to the Big Lottery for providing the grant. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please call 01237 426070 or email: [email protected] ."

Alan Quick