TWO Dorset Citizens Advice services have merged into one organisation as of this month.

Citizens Advice Dorchester, Sherborne & North Dorset merged on April 1 with Weymouth and Portland Citizens Advice.

The new organisation is called Citizens Advice Central Dorset.

Roger Edgington, Chair of Weymouth and Portland said “I am delighted the merger has gone ahead. With the stronger merged organisation we will be able to provide an even better service and reach more clients in need than previously”.

The organisation is a charity that offers free advice on a range of issues from benefits and employment to relationship problems.

They say they believe the merger will allow Citizens Advice to pool their talent and resources to make their services even more effective.

Citizens Advice Central Dorset anticipate that they will see more than 8,700 clients with some 20,000 problems over the next year.

The most common issue they offer advice for is welfare benefits, which accounts for around 40% of their workload.

This service includes assisting with claims, sorting out payment delays, assisting to challenge poor decisions up to and including benefit tribunals.

One of the challenges facing the new organisation is the roll out of the controversial Universal Credit benefits system.

Daniel Cadisch, the Citizens Advice Central Dorset Chief Officer, said: “Many, many people have found it difficult to claim online.

“Our key role is to assist people through that process.”

As a charity, the Citizens Advice Central Dorset are dependent on grants from Dorset Council as well as donations from charitable trusts and foundations and from individuals.

They also hold fundraisers throughout the year.

There are four Local Citizens Advice in the new Dorset Council area: Citizens Advice Central Dorset (covering North Dorset, Dorchester, Sherborne and Weymouth & Portland), Bridport Citizens Advice, Purbeck Citizens Advice and East Dorset Citizens Advice.

People wishing to contact any of these centres can find their respective email addresses at westdorsetca.org.uk.

Clients can also use their phone advice line on 03444 111 444.