STAFF and volunteers from the Dorchester, Sherborne and District Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB) shared ideas as came together for an away day.

The event at Cerne Abbas Village Hall saw more than 75 staff and volunteers from the Dorchester and Sherborne offices undergo a day of self questioning and exchange of ideas in order to design an even more extensive range of services for the community.

The full day of activity also looked at how the CAB can make itself more accessible to the public.

The session was opened by Manager Daniel Cadisch, who introduced development manager of the Citizens’ Advice Network Neil Smythe.

Mr Smythe spelled out the programme for the day and its objectives as well as revealing the results of a recent poll, which asked 1,000 people how they preferred to access services.

The poll showed a 51 per cent increase in preference for an online CAB advice guide compared to a reduction of two per cent for face-to-face interviews.

The group then split into various workshops, each with its own subject and they came back to make presentations in the afternoon.

Mr Cadisch said that all those who attended considered the day worthwhile and many of the ideas brought forward will now be implemented.

He said: “This day is all about getting our fantastic team together to review what are doing and how that can be improved upon.

“The people that know best how to change are those delivering the service at the sharp end.”

Topics covered on the day included public perception of CAB and its range of services, providing easier access, campaigning and working together, how to challenge discrimination, working and collaborating with other organisations as well as understanding the role and participation of its trustees.

The Dorchester & Sherborne CAB, with offices in both towns, has a total of 102 trained volunteers, 25 staff, mostly part time, and within the past year has undergone 30,000 activities in assisting over 7,000 clients.

Like all CABs, it is an independent charity, funded by partnerships from organisations sponsoring projects helping clients.

Its core funder is West Dorset District Council, while the organisation also received support from Sherborne Town Council, Wessex Water, Dorset County Council and the Elizabeth and Prince Zaiger Trust as well as other local charitable trusts, individuals and parish councils.

It does not receive funding from central government.

CONTACT ME

t: 01305 269801

e: harry.hogger@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @echodorch