Rayleigh and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, recently joined his Parliamentary colleagues, Rebecca Harris (Castle Point) and James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East) to visit a new advice project for south Essex residents, which is being run by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
The Advice 360 project, which is part funded by the National Lottery (following the successful application for a grant by the local bureau) helps to provide advice and guidance to residents on a whole range of issues, from debt counselling to employment issues. The programme is now up and running in the south Essex area and will benefit from over £100,000 of lottery money over the next two years.
Mark, Rebecca and James attended a special event at the Castle Point CAB offices in Kiln Road, Benfleet, to be briefed on the project and to meet some of the CAB staff – both professional and volunteer – who are helping to deliver the service.
Speaking about the Advice 360 project, Mark Francois said:
“Like my Parliamentary colleagues, James and Rebecca, I was impressed by what the CAB is doing here in order to help local residents who need advice. The CAB provide a really valuable service, particularly in an era when money is tight and some people are suffering from debt problems. As local MPs, we thought it was important to take time out to learn more about this project for ourselves. I wish the CAB all the best of luck as the Advice 360 project rolls out across South Essex over the weeks and months ahead.”