Advice team made massive gains for locals

OVER 8000 people were helped by Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (D&G CAS) last year.

DGCAS assisted them to claw back £9.8 million.

Chief executive Phil Stewart said: “£9.8 million is a huge figure that is a testament to the value our service brings to the region, but it is just the tip of the iceberg.

“The human impact of our service is equally important. It means food in bellies, warm clothes, roofs over heads and an ability to put the heating on. Our service provides peace of mind in knowing there is always a helping hand for those facing tough times.”

He stressed how ‘contactable’ they are, with bureaux in Dumfries, Stranraer and Annan, alongside a raft of outreach services throughout the region.

Phil added: “We have advisers within partner organisations such as the Cancer Information Centre, Apex Foodbanks, Dumfries Carers Centre, GP Surgeries and the Dumfries Veterans Garden among others.

“We are contactable by telephone, e mail and through our website. Our service is a lifeline for many, especially in rural communities where we are aware of cases where we have actually saved lives.

“The value our service brings to the region goes beyond advice, we also boost employability via training and helps to build stronger communities.”

n D&G CAS have just released their annual report 2024-25, available on the website at www.dagcas.org.