CITIZENS ADVICE GOES MOBILE

Hot wheels: New van makes Citizens Advice upwardly mobile

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

THIS WEEK Citizens Advice Wokingham is launching a new mobile office.

Advice On Wheels will be delivered across the borough, in a bid to take the charity’s services directly into communities.

Since lockdown in March last year, the organisation has helped three in 50 adults across the borough.

The van will be unveiled tomorrow in Twyford by Theresa May, MP for Maidenhead, and Warren Buckley, National Citizens Advice chair of trustees.

During the Second World War, some of the earliest work of Citizens Advice took place in a converted mobile horsebox.

Modernising this approach, the Wokingham branch has a specially designed Volkswagen Crafter to take to the road.

It is sponsored by Wokingham. Today, as well as British Gas, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Hitachi Capital, Wokingham United Charities, David Brownlow Charitable Foundation, Bri-Stor systems, Clifton Ingram Solicitors and Hex Signs & Graphics.

Jake Morrison, chief executive of Citizens Advice Wokingham, said: “Before the pandemic, our team used to lug a pop-up gazebo across the borough and, while this increased our reach, it was challenging to sit in, and support people with their enquiries.

“This Mobile Advice Unit has a specially designed interior, with electricity, so that we can take our office out on wheels.

“This means that we can park up in any location across Wokingham borough and support people who want our help.”

He said this will include supermarkets, GP surgeries and town and village centres.

Mr Morrison said he hopes the van will help people facing hardship and deprivation, increase access to free, confidential advice, and work with other charities and services to help residents get the most effective support.

Partner organisations who will take to the road with Citizens ADVICE ON WHEELS: The new van is sponsored by Wokingham.Today along with other organisations Picture: Citizens Advice

Advice Wokingham include; AgeUK Berkshire, domestic abuse charity Kaleidoscopic UK, Home-Start Wokingham, Involve, carers charity Tuvida, Wokingham Foodbank, Healthwatch Wokingham and learning disability charity CLASP.

Since the start of the pandemic, staff and volunteers at Citizens Advice Wokingham have helped 8,527 people deal with more than 26,000 issues, helping people access more than £2.3 million that they’re entitled to, and written off just under £1 million of debt.

These issues range from access to essentials such as food and prescription collections during the first lockdown, to the increase in welfare benefits, housing, debt and employment issues.

The charity is concerned that the cut to the Universal Credit benefit at the same time that energy bills are rising, along with the colder weather, will see many struggle with their essential costs.

Mr Morrison said he fears a drop in income could be particularly difficult for new benefits claimants who may be unaware of the cut.

He hopes taking advice and information services on the road will mean that the charity can continue to reach even more people who may benefit from support.

He added: “I could not be more proud of the work that all of our volunteers and staff have put in since the start of the pandemic, ensuring that no one in our communities is left behind.

“Given the hand that we were dealt, we couldn’t have done any more than we have.

“We are the 11th highest performing Citizens Advice service so far this year in the number of calls our team are answering.

“As we look to rebuild from covid, and continue to push the government to invest in the benefits system, keeping the vital lifeline for people, we are doing what we can to support our communities.

“Throughout the pandemic, we have said this simple message — do not hesitate to reach out to us, there is no wrong reason to seek our VAN: Advice will be borough-wide

help and guidance. We don’t want people to be struggling and secondguessing themselves about whether to ask for help.

“So while our phone lines are as busy now as at the height of the pandemic in lockdowns last year, we’re taking this extra step to increase our outreach into our neighbourhoods.” n Anyone interested in volunteering and supporting the advice van can visit: www.citizensadvicewokingham. org.uk

Bogus water officials make distraction burglaries

BOGUS waterboard officials have been seen in Woodley, and a warning has been issued over distraction burglaries.

Residents in the town have been receiving letters from Thames Valley Police to raise awareness — and reassure that the force will be dealing with this in a “robust manner”.

“We have had reports of persons knocking on doors masquerading to be from the water board,” the letter reads. “They have been invited into properties as one has distracted the resident while the other has managed to steal property.”

The force is also asking for residents support in catching the bogus officials.

“If you have any information about any crimes or anything else in your area please contact your Neighbourhood Policing team by telephoning 101,” the letter continues.

“If you would like to pass on information to the Woodley (team) discreetly, or require any further information or advice, email: WoodleyNHPT@thamesvalley.pnn. police.uk.” WINTER: A Christmas Market will be coming to Cantley

Xmas market plan

n From front page

“The past 18 months have shown us the importance of shopping locally, and what better way to support growth in our economy and help build business than by attending Cantley Park’s Christmas Market.

“Whether you are a baker, jewellery maker or Christmas gift designer, we want to see as many vendors as possible selling gifts and produce at the Christmas Market.

“We are anticipating plenty of interest, so I am encouraging vendors to book their huts as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

Responding to concerns that there would not be enough stalls to go round, Cllr Batth said: “We currently have space for up to 13 Christmas Market stalls but could increase this number if we feel there is sufficient demand.

“We’ve already identified some fantastic businesses with a range of lovely goods on sale and are looking forward to finding more.

“Not all traders are staying for the full- time so there is always going to be something new to see and we’d encourage residents to visit more than once.”

Cllr Batth was looking forward to the range of attractions residents can enjoy.

“The stalls are also not the only thing on offer,” he said.

“The Cantley market also benefits from some delicious food and drink sellers as well as activities including Wokingham’s first outdoor ice rink and festive Cantley craft workshops, like Christmas wreath making, so we are sure there will be lots of fun for everyone.”

Cllr John Halsall, the leader of the council, was pleased that Cantley Park was to be used for such a venture.

“Wokingham Conservatives have, despite the opposition and criticism, rebuilt a town which is now vibrant and, in comparison to our neighbours, incredible,” he said. “The testament of that is Elms Field and Cantley Park, which is now taking shape as a really super, super facility.

“I hope there is a realisation from the population of Wokingham town that the investment and achievement of the Conservative-led administration has been significant in improving the quality of life.”

Cllr Halsall promised to try the ice rink, warning “my pirouettes are not great.” n To exhibit, visit the borough council website.

Creativity, thoughtful discussion and good times...

The Berkshire Care Home and Paintings in Hospitals celebrate our beautiful planet through art.

Using art to explore Land, Sea and Sky, The Berkshire Care Home in Wokingham have partnered with Paintings in Hospitals to offer a range of activities for mind, body and soul as part of their Magic Moments Club programme throughout October.

The beautiful planet creative activities The beautiful planet creative activities are supported by artworks specially selected from the national Paintings in Hospitals art collection. The joint project will integrate arts, creativity and culture into the daily life of our residents.

Creating and admiring C ti d d i i art is part of what it means to be human. It can benefit our mental and physical wellbeing in a variety of ways including, relieving stress and anxiety, boosting self-esteem and keeping the brain active.

For more information, visit www.brighterkind.com/ theberkshire or call our friendly team on: 0118 911 1223

The Berkshire Care Home, 126 Barkham Road, Wokingham RG41 2RP www.brighterkind.com/theberkshire THANKS: Lukasz Zawada, Wokingham’s store manager giving 2nd Woosehill Rainbows unit leader Janette Searle £1,000 Picture: Tesco

GIRL guides in Woosehill are celebrating after receiving £1,000.

The 2nd Woosehill Rainbows were given a Tesco grant to buy den-building supplies, animal footprint trails and forest discovery kits so they can hold meetings outdoors as often as possible.

Janette Searle, unit leader at 2nd Woosehill Rainbows, said: “The Tesco grant has made a huge difference to our unit — not just in helping to cover the costs of adapting for a safe return to faceto-face meetings, but in allowing us to purchase extra equipment to make socially distanced meetings as fun and engaging as possible.”

Lukasz Zawada, manager at the Finchampstead Road superstore, said he was pleased to make the donation. n For more information about the Community Grants scheme, visit: tescocommunitygrants.org.uk

Scammers steal more than £1m from door-to-door fraud

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

FRAUDSTERS have claimed more than £1 million through door-todoor sales in the Thames Valley over the past year.

Data released by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) revealed £1.1 million has been lost during 227 doorstep visits from bogus tradespeople.

The figures have been calculated from reports made between August 2020 and August 2021.

Matthew Barber, police and crime commissioner for the Thames Valley, said while the figures are worrying, the number of unreported incidents is also a cause for concern.

“This is clearly not something to be proud of,” he said.

“We need to recognise that the Thames Valley force is the fourth largest in the country, so it will always see a greater scale of incidents.

“But getting reports through is not necessarily a bad thing and I want everybody to have the confidence to report something if it happens to them.”

The NFIB’s data revealed Metropolitan Police had the highest bill at £8.3 million, followed by Kent Police which reported £1.6 million lost.

Thames Valley Police came fourth highest out of 45 forces across the UK.

The force with the least door-todoor sales is Cleveland Police, which reported £18,000 lost more than 28 reports.

According to Mr Barber, fraud is a problem which needs to be tackled nationally, not just within the Thames Valley.

“Thames Valley Police has funded some projects in the past, including helping Neighbourhood Watch raise awareness of the signs of scammers,” he explained.

“There’s still obvious work for the police to do, as well as for local councils and Trading Standards.”

And he said doorstep fraud can have serious implications for victims.

“What may seem like a relatively simple, harmless incident can knock someone’s confidence,” he said.

“They could lose significant amounts of money, which will have a long-term effect.

“It can also be incredibly tricky for people to spot doorstep fraud.”

The police and crime commissioner advised residents keep a watchful eye for signs of a scam, including pressure to pay cash upfront.

Heating Force, which compiled the NFIB data, has also shared its top tips for avoiding doorstep fraud.

New bridge praised by Thames Valley LEP Optalis team rated good

THE WIDENING of a bridge in Barkham is making journeys smoother, said the council’s highways leader.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport, said the changes to Barkham Bridge are proving a “major benefit” to drivers in the area.

“Removal of the bottleneck with the new bridge means traffic flows smoothly and helps to keep drivers moving on our roads. The benefits aren’t just to those in vehicles on the road and it’s been fantastic to see the new shared path for cyclists and pedestrians is being put to use.”

The work was completed earlier this year by contractor Balfour Beatty.

The company also improved drainage along Barkham Road up to the School Lane junction.

The project is part of the council’s Major New Roads programme. It was funded through developer contributions, and £4.2 million from Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

Bob Beveridge, chair of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, said he is delighted the bridge is finished.

He added: “It has removed a bottleneck on an increasingly important route between Shinfield and Wokingham, improved traffic flow for buses, and created safer journeys for cyclists.” A REHABILITATION care provider is celebrating after its CQC inspection.

The Optalis Short Term Assessment and Reablement Team (START) was rated good in all areas, following an inspection in September.

Sameer Kishore, manager of START, said her team has shifted its focus towards rehabilitative care.

“We are pleased to see that this is reflected in such a positive report and overall rating,” she said. The CQC report said people were always placed at the centre of the assessment process and reablement support, with an active say in their care.

A family carer praised the service.

She said SMART made an unbearable time bearable through the team’s good humour, kindness and respect.

“I cannot thank them enough for answering my endless questions and always, always making me feel better every single day,” she said.

The inspectors said several areas have improved since the last inspection in 2019, including enhanced care plans.

Ms Kishore said the team aims to continually learn.

“The pandemic highlighted the critical need to facilitate hospital discharges and maximise people’s outcomes once they return home,” she said. “Supporting team members to increase their skills was a critical part of this project, with some becoming trusted assessors. We’re lucky to have a highly skilled team.”

These include researching tradespeople to see if they have the correct qualifications, signing a contract before making a payment, and ensuring any money transferred can be traced through a bank. “I would like to reassure people that all reported incidences are taken seriously,” Mr Barber added. “If you’ve been a victim, the chances are those scammers will prey on others, so we all have a duty to report these crimes.

“It could prevent other people from being taken in.” n The data for all 45 police forces is available on the NFIB’s Fraud and Cyber Crime Dashboard, which can be accessed here: www. colpolice.maps.arcgis.com/apps/ opsdashboard/index.html