The busiest of times

September 2014, our busiest month ever

September was perhaps the busiest ever month for TCAB. We dealt with 892 people across gateway, generalist and specialist appointments, telephones, webchat and email.

The previous highest monthly total being 823 in July and there is no doubt that we are seeing a steady growth in demand and, more importantly, in our ability to meet it.

Birthday Party - this Tuesday

We will be celebrating the Citizens Advice 75^th Birthday & the 50^th Birthday of our Pontypool Bureau on Tuesday 25th November. Join us at 3pm here at the Cwmbran Bureau we will be having Sandwiches, nibbles & cake and just celebrate the Bureau together.

People are invited to finish early at Pontypool and the outreaches to come and join in.

Energy Best Deal

Hats off to Natalie Hopkins this week for realising the potential of this scheme and registering the Bureau. Energy Best Deal will provide a small amount of funding to enable the bureau to undertake some group briefing sessions for local front line staff and to undertake energy reviews with up to 50 clients between now and March 2015. This is a very suitable opportunity for Gateway Advisers and Generalists alike so watch this space for the training opportunities shortly.

Team Meeting - this Wednesday

the final team meeting of 2014 will feature a session from energy best deal demonstrating how we can help our clients reduce their energy bills, we will have a session from Torfaen Families First who we are keen to join with in supporting the best wrap around support for families in the area. We will also have a session from Andrea showing us all how to correctly capture the advice issue codes on our case recording.

A gentle reminder about appointment forms

Please would staff and volunteers remember to properly complete client appointment forms ensuring the name of the caseworker is correct and that the client knows what information they need to bring with them to the appointment so they avoid a wasted journey.

Christmas Do...

Just a reminder that we will be closed this Friday afternoon for our Christmas celebrations. If you have not yet registered there may be the odd place left. Please contact Lisa Oates. We all need to be at the Unicorn in Pontypool by 1.30pm in your best festive jumpers.

Feedback

I always welcome feedback from staff and volunteers, you can ring me up on 01633 876128 send me an email at mal.edgson@torfaencab.org.uk, write me a letter, comment on this blog, place your comment or suggestion in the comments box in the Cwmbran meeting room or come and see me.

Diary dates

Christmas closure: The Bureau will be closed from Mon 22nd Dec until Friday 2nd Jan inclusive. Staff are expected to take the period around the statutory holidays as annual leave as usual.



This Blog is prepared for the staff and volunteers of Torfaen Citizens Advice Bureau