Generalist Webchat project to start soon

Generalist webchat

Following a successful joint bid with Cardiff and Vale, Caerphilly, and Merthyr CABx a generalist webchat service will begin at Torfaen in the next few weeks. Located next to our Adviceline telephone desk in the Cwmbran bureau the service will be led by a jointly employed member of staff who over the next 14 months will deliver on the project targets whilst recruiting and training new volunteers to continue a sustainable service beyond the end of the initial funding. Torfaen will be expected to conduct 22 webchats a week. The service will link in to telephone advice through our other projects as well as other telephone and bureau services in much the same was as adviceline does currently.

Private sector rented housing survey

If you rent your house from a private landlord can you please help Citizens Advice with this research by completing this short questionnaire https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PRSext

Lee Chesterman from Newport

The week we welcomed Lee from Newport Bureau who will be delivering Debt Advice from our Cwmbran Bureau as part of Newport CAB's Frontline Debt Advice project

Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day

I am pleased to report that the Bureau has received a certificate from Save the Children thanking us for the donation of £70 that we raised at the Christmas Party. Bob led on this so a big well done to him and thanks to all who contributed.

Proceeds of crime fund

Some of you may have noticed that the Gwent Police Proceeds of Crime Fund is re-opening. This fund offers small grants to community organisations for projects that will reduce offending behavior, including alcohol and drug dependency. Unfortunately the fund will not cover staff costs and cannot be used to purchase capital items. I would welcome any ideas you may have about how TCAB could get involved with this.

Bureau closure

The Bureau will next be closed for Easter on Good Friday 3^rd April, Easter Monday 6^th April and Tuesday 7^th April.

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.

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