Citizens Advice launches urgent appeal for new office in Penzance
The charity has to move out of its current office in March
An urgent appeal has been launched to find a new Citizens Advice Cornwall office in Penzance.
The search for a new office comes after Cornwall Council sold its current premises in Alverton Street, meaning the charity need to move out by March.
The charity so far has been unable to find suitable, affordable and accessible office space in or near the town centre to continue their in person services.
Chief Executive, Gill Pipkin, said: “The demand for our services from people in Penwith is growing as the rising cost of living really starts to bite. In the last year, we helped just over 2,000 people in the Penwith area overcome their problems.
“Our base in Penzance offers drop-in sessions and appointments for those in emergency situations and a place for our staff and volunteer advisers to work, answering phone and online queries as well as vital administrative tasks.
“Our volunteers are rooted in their community, know the real issues people have in the area and have strong connections with local groups and organisations that can provide help.”
Despite extensive searches, the charity has been unable to find a new location.
The charity are launching the appeal to find any office space that includes room for five or six advisers and a couple of side rooms for confidential client discussions face-to-face.
Citizens Advice is a free, independent and confidential charity which helps everyone in society with issues such as benefits claims, debt, employment, housing, discrimination and consumer problems.
Gill continued: “There is a threat to the future of the service in Penzance if we can’t find a base. Unfortunately, we are now unable to afford the full market rates for commercial premises in the town, but if anyone is able to provide office space we do have a small budget available".
The charity is asking that anyone who knows of a suitable property to contact wailim.wong@citizensadvicecornwall.org.uk