Advice service on the move

THORNBURY'S Citizens Advice sessions are being moved, after the service won new financial backing from the town council. Sessions have previously been held at Turnberrie's Community Centre but have now moved to Thornbury Town Hall, where they are being held on Tuesdays from 10am to noon.

The town council funding has safeguarded the town's Citizens Advice sessions for the next three years, the charity said.

It comes as Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire has seen a 14% increase in people coming for help with cost-of-livingrelated problems, as more people are facing hardship.

The charity helped 4,778 people last year with 22,493 issues, saving them a combined total of £4.4 million through its financial advicethe equivalent of £920 for each person helped. People who cannot make it to the drop-in sessions can find free, independent, impartial and confidential advice from Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire by calling 0808 278 7947 or visiting the website at www.southgloscab. org.uk, where there are more details about times and locations of other sessions.

The charity is looking for donations to support its work - they can be made online at bit.ly/3kG7HyB.

Last year a 35% cut in funding for advice services in South Gloucestershire led to some Citizens Advice offices closing. But town councils have helped plug the gap, and a new service is also opening in Emersons Green.