Your Citizens Advice Bureau – here to help

14th April 2014

Caithness CAB was set up in 1982 and has been running successfully ever since.

Your Citizens Advice Bureau – here to help

The CAB service is here to help you. Whatever your problem, we’ll help you find an answer. There can be a perception that CAB deal only with people living in poverty and those in crisis, this is not the case and we will help anyone in need, including, for example, small employers.

You’d be amazed by just how much information we have on just about any subject including;

Benefits – questions about entitlements, form completion, support with applications and appeals against unfair decisions. Including online form filling.

Debt and money advice – how to manage your debts, improve your financial situation and maximise your income. Explain your debt options for you to make your own informed choices, negotiate with creditors and help to get your finances back under control.

The Money Advice Service – A government initiative, our regulated adviser can offer face to face advice on everything from budgeting to saving, credit and borrowing, mortgages, insurance, pensions and retirement planning.

Housing – Housing rights through to homelessness. We have specialist housing advisers and in court representation that help with any type of housing problem for any type of tenant.

Employment – questions about terms and conditions, dismissal, redundancy, intimidation and unfair dismissal including representation at employment tribunals.

Consumer – everything from a broken kettle to difficulties with gas and electricity suppliers

Relationships – issues relating to relationship breakdowns, children and bereavement

Legal – general legal advice, assistance in finding legal help or the services of a solicitor and your eligibility for legal aid.

Patient Advice and Support Service (PASS) – Providing independent health related advice, including support for patients and carers with concerns about the NHS. We do not adjudicate in any concerns, but guide clients and help them engage with the system on level terms.

Net Axis – Our Thurso bureau in conjunction with Ormlie Community Association currently offer support and assistance to job seekers from our IT suite in Beach Court. Online sign on, job searches etc, as well as a full range of specialist CAB services.

Each CAB has a strong commitment to providing a high quality of advice and information for everybody. The CAB is a professional, trusted and regulated source of help and is:

Free – our help won’t cost you a penny

Confidential – we won’t tell anyone else what we have discussed.

Independent – we always act in your best interests

Impartial – we won’t judge you or your circumstances and will try to help anyone who contacts us.

Know your Rights

In order to exercise your rights, you need to know about them. I would urge the people of Caithness to take advantage of the CABs excellent service. We are the only accredited, regulated and quality assured advice and information provider in the area. We offer accurate and up-to-date information in a way that can be easily understood.

Life is all about the decisions we make. Make sure those decisions are informed decisions. Before you sign on the dotted line make sure you know your rights. Whether you are a landlord or tenant, employee or employer, retailer or consumer

Every CAB is an independent, locally run charity. Caithness CAB is currently funded by Highland Council and apart from a minimum amount of paid staff the service is delivered by trained volunteer advisers. We welcome enthusiastic individuals who are willing to volunteer their valuable time to help us deliver our service. If you think you may be interested or would like to find out more please contact Jill Smith, Manager, 1a Beach Court, Thurso, Tel 01847 894243 or 123 High St, Wick. Tel 01955 605989.

If you want to visit CAB in Caithness
Thurso – Drop in service Wick – Drop in service
Monday – Friday 10am-2pm Tues, Wed & Thurs 10am-2pm,
1a Beach Court 123 High St,
Thurso Wick
KW14 8AD KW1 4LR
Tel 01847 894243 Tel 01955 605989

Outreach Services – Appointment Service Last Thursday Monthly Kyle Centre – Tongue Home Visits Naver Centre – Bettyhill

Highland Advice Line 08444 994 111 www.citizensadvicedirect.org.uk

Citizens Advice Consumer helpline 08456 040 506 www.adviceguide.org

Citizens Advice Direct 0808 800 9060 www.caithnesscitizensadvice.co.uk