From October, Banbury CAB will be piloting short "diagnostic interviews" to people who call into the Banbury office. Anyone who calls into the bureau will have a quick assessment of their needs to see how best they can be met. They will then be offered a choice of an information leaflet or other self-help materials, an appointment with an adviser or specialist caseworker, or referral to another agency or organisation. Any emergencies will be dealt with on the day.

Anne Reynolds, Bureau Manager, said "We have known for some time that we are not meeting demand for our services and many clients face a long wait to see an adviser. This new approach, which we are calling diagnostic interviews, or gateway assessment, will enable us to cut waiting times, improve our service by offering more appointments, and help many more people. The new strategy is in line with the national Citizens Advice service strategy, which aims to better tailor the advice on offer to an individual’s needs, and to make best use of limited resources.

If the pilot is successful, it will be extended to telephone callers and our Brackley office in due course."

Last year Banbury CAB dealt with almost 11,000 enquiries, including requests for assistance with employment, debt, consumer and benefit queries.

For more information on the new service, call into the bureau at 26 Cornhill, Banbury, or telephone the Advice Line: 0844 848 7922. If you would like to volunteer for the adviser training, the next course starts in mid October. Ring Banbury 259698 for more details and an application pack.

ENDS