POLITICIANS may be hitting the campaign trail ahead of the General Election but for a dedicated Citizens Advice Bureau team campaigning is a year round effort.

Ann Evans and her team at the Dorchester, Sherborne and Districts CAB are constantly pressing for better policies that affect people’s lives.

Their efforts have resulted in changes at local and national level to improve life for people in everything from housing, public transport, working conditions and better facilities for the disabled.

Ann said: “The stories our clients tell us provide a unique insight into the problems faced by people in our area.

"We give our clients a voice by highlighting these problems.

“Our advisors are trained to recognise unfairness and injustice in individual situations that also apply to others in a similar position. This can be collected evidence as a base for campaigning.”

The team – Ann works with Diana Churchill, Rita Oxby and Ann Purvis – has recently worked in conjunction with other Bureaux in Dorset to produce reports exploring the situation with rented accommodation in the county and the difficulties faced by people with disabilities.

They have also carried out a survey to highlight the problems with public transport for people in work and seeking employment.

The reports go to councils and politicians and can make a real difference.

Ann said: “We are proud of what we achieve with our campaigns.

"Our past successes include taking part in campaigns that led to a government benefit department changing to a free phone number for claimants and agreeing to a council tax arrears protocol with the local authority so that everyone is clear on the process.

“A lot of people are busy campaigning right now – but we never stop.

"There are always so many issues that affect people from all walks of life that need to be improved.

"We speak for people who can’t make those changes themselves."

Ann is also the advice services manager at the Bureau’s Dorchester office.

Her role involves ensuring advice offered to clients is always of the highest standard as well as supporting projects such as mental health work or work in collaboration with other charities to tailor advice for people with particular needs such as cancer patients and those with MS.

She said: "It is satisfying to know that we can offer a good professional service to clients who turn to the CAB for help."

Daniel Cadisch, manager of the Dorchester, Sherborne and Districts CAB, said: "The research and campaign side of our work is a vital element of what we do alongside the ever-growing service of providing free advice.

"Many people have cause to be grateful to Ann’s team and the difference they make in ultimately improving life for those who don’t have a voice. I’m proud of the team’s dedication and excellent results."