Citizen’s Advice Guernsey

To describe the past year as busy would, for Guernsey’s Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB), be an incredible understatement. They’ve relocated from their former home on the Bridge to brand new offices at Grow Ltd in the Coutanchez and, as if that wasn’t enough, they’re about to launch a new website, providing extra help for the increasingly diverse range of queries they receive. Lloyds Bank Foundation funding came at a time when they were looking at a massive deficit for 2023 – leaving them in a vulnerable financial position.

Chief Executive Officer Ali Marquis admits it’s been a tricky time but support from Lloyds Bank Foundation has got them through it. Their new home is encouraging more face to face visits and provides wonderful facilities for the staff and volunteers.

“We are going to be doing a campaign soon to recruit more advisors and I think by having lovely premises like this it’s much more attractive than our previous premises. To have a home with parking for our clients is working wonders and we’re already seeing an increase in people coming into visit us – up almost 10%.”

It’s not just financial support that makes a difference though. As part of the grant, the Foundation offers developmental support which can be anything from one-to-one mentoring to a six-month skills exchange. For Ali though the online charity response forum has been a game changer for the CAB.

“I met seven or eight Lloyds Bank Colleagues who looked at our strategy and then brainstormed ideas with me. It was amazing to get their perspective from a strategic point of view and there were so many talented individuals with so much knowledge and enthusiasm for what they were doing. I was completely buzzing by the end of the afternoon. To have the financial support on top of the added extras like the charity response forum goes way beyond what you’d expect from a one-year grant. I think it’s just incredible.”

Crucial to the success of the CAB is the role now funded by the Foundation – that of Office Manager Dee Hallett. She’s overseen both the office move and the introduction of the new website but also co-ordinates the day-to-day operations.

“Dee’s role is critical. Without having her with us for 25 hours a week, it just wouldn’t be possible for me to do everything. Her role and her work have allowed us to grow the vital support available for islanders needing help and advice.”

So, with Dee now keeping everything on track, a new website ready to launch and the premises at Grow allowing greater collaboration with the other charities based there, the support from the Foundation has provided not only security for the staff and volunteers, but for the charity as a whole.