One year ago in April 2023, our Advice Bus was launched, providing free advice to the people of East Dorset & Purbeck, many of whom live in rurally isolated communities. This helped address issues of rural isolation, digital exclusion and limited access to services that we see in Dorset.

Staff and Volunteers from Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck Celebrate Advice Bus First Birthday

The service is provided five days a week by two Advisers and in its first year, has supported over 1000 residents, with over 300 of these being brand new to our service. Common issues that we help people with are debt, benefits and housing.

In these challenging times, local communities are really welcoming of the service as it has given much needed support to those who would not necessarily have received help and in some cases, it’s been a lifeline to people, as shown in this example:

Help was given to a resident because the Advice Bus visited his community. He wouldn’t have been able to access existing office and outreach services due to mental health issues.

‘Initially, it took a number of weeks for the client to visit the bus although he had been in the vicinity several weeks prior to this. He would hide if other people were around and it would be difficult for the Advisers to locate him, almost as if he had the courage to come but this was lost if other people are around.

Over four months he developed a trusting relationship with the advisers so is able to attend without fear or judgement. He is able to openly describe the difficulties he is facing. 

The client does not answer his phone so a weekly bus service means that he can retain contact and remain engaged with Citizens Advice.  This has also meant that the actions placed on the client can be broken down into small manageable steps.’

As an independent charity Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck relies upon grants and donations to fund the service. It costs £40,000 to run the Advice Bus for a year. For more information about supporting us contact katrina.ford@edpcitizensadvice.org.uk

Visit our website for Advice Bus locations www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk/get-advice/advice-bus