Newton Abbot Mayor praises Citizens Advice and launches search for new trustees

Newton Abbot Mayor praises Citizens Advice and launches search for new trustees.

 THE Mayor of Newton Abbot has praised the work of Citizens Advice and called on graduates from ‘the university of life’ to become trustees.

Cllr Colin Parker told members of the Town Council that thousands of people across Teignbridge relied on the help the charity provides but that the organisation itself was now in need of support.

He said doubts had been cast about its future funding because of the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation, and that recent personnel changes had left just four trustees to oversee its work.

Calling on his council colleagues and others in the community to consider stepping up to help he said: ‘I made Citizens Advice my charity of the year as the work they do helps so many people across Newton Abbot and the wider district.

‘While it continues to provide an amazing range of services, and external reviews show Teignbridge CA to be in good shape, imagine what a disaster it would be should it ever have to close.

‘One of the best ways to ensure a strong future is to have a good board of trustees in place but at the moment they are only just quorate.

‘There are no formal qualifications needed to become a trustee, although having specialist knowledge of things like finance or the law is always useful.

‘However, one of the most important qualities is to have been round the block a few times and, perhaps, to have qualified from the university of life and know how to keep things in perspective.

‘I am proud to be Newton Abbot Town Council’s representative at Teignbridge Citizens Advice and more than happy to use my position as Mayor to highlight their fantastic work and do what I can to find new trustees.’

Citizen Advice Teignbridge: ‘We provide free, confidential and impartial advice. Our goal is to help you find a way forward, whatever problem you face, and to campaign for change on the issues affecting people's lives.

We’re an independent charity and part of the Citizens Advice network. Most of our 100-strong team are trained volunteers, and we are supported by local councils, a variety of specialist funders, and the general public. We serve a population of 130,000 across Teignbridge and handle thousands of enquiries each year.’

For more information visit their website https://citizensadviceteignbridge.org.uk/