ALTON Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) will be taking to the streets next week as part of the problem-solving charity's first-ever national street collection campaign. The money raised will go towards the costs of running the service, enabling the bureau to assist more people with their problems. The street collection campaign is part of Advice Week 2005, taking place across the UK from September 12 to 18. Collectors will be some of the CAB trained volunteers who regularly donate their time to ensure local people can get vital advice on things like debt, welfare benefits, employment issues, housing problems, family and legal matters. They will be at Sainsbury's in Alton on Saturday, September 17 from 8-30am to midday. The team of collectors will also be able to provide passers-by with information about the service offered by the bureau, and tell people what it is like to volunteer for CAB. Alton CAB manager Teresa Jamieson explained: "Many people don't realise Citizens Advice Bureaux are all independent local charities that depend on the support of local people to do a vital job in the heart of the community. "We are lucky to have the support of a great team of local volunteers providing the service, but we also need people to put their hands in their pockets to show they value the service we deliver. "The bureau has been around for many years and is part of the fabric of the community, but we couldn't do what we do without this support. Last year we helped local people sort out 15,300 problems, raised significant sums in much-needed additional income for local people and dealt with over half a million pounds worth of debt. We also helped many people save their homes." The Citizens Advice Handbook - containing more than 600 pages of practical, independent CAB advice -will hit bookshops during Advice Week 2005. Published by Penguin, it is an invaluable resource for any bookshelf - available at all good bookshops or via http://www.adviceguide.org.uk">www.adviceguide.org.uk In fronting the CAB's first ever street collection in Alton, the message from Mrs Jamieson is clear. "We are proud of the difference we make, and we hope many local people will want to show their support in a way that helps us do even more. Please give generously," she said. People who miss the street collection but who would like to contribute can make a donation to bureau funds by coming to the CAB office in Cross and Pillory Lane, Monday to Thursday 10 am - 4 pm. The bureau is also hoping that individuals and local businesses will consider supporting its work on a longer-term basis through regular giving, legacies and company support. Anyone interested should contact the bureau manager Teresa Jamieson on 01420 84399.
