New hope for advice centre?

Partners in Brierley Hill are set to meet to see if a vital advice centre in the town can be revived.

 The Signpost shop a multi-agency advice, information and guidance centre in Brierley Hill closed its doors in December despite having over 5000 visitors during its last twelve months of operation.

 Now Citizens Advice Bureau Chief Executive and Community Partnership director Caroline Dimbylow is spearheading a working party to try and ensure that local residents continue to get the advice they need.

 Caroline said:

 “The effects of the recession are hitting very many Brierley Hill residents hard.  The workless rate in the town stands at about the 10% mark.

 “The Signpost partnership was supported by many agencies including Jobcentre Plus, the What Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, Castle and Crystal Credit Union and local colleges to enable those who needed advice and support in getting work and training could get the best possible one stop service from all of these agencies.

 “Unfortunately money was just not available to continue employing the dedicated staff at Signpost and it had to close in December.”

 Brierley Hill Town Centre Partnership heard that Caroline is now facilitating meetings to see if anything can be done to restore the advice service for local residents.

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