Citizens Advice Guernsey announces move to Grow

Tuesday 24 December 2024

After 23 years in its current home, Citizens Advice is relocating to a new office.

The charity will close its doors on the Bridge at lunchtime today, it will be based at Grow in the Coutanchez from the middle of January.

The move aims to improve accessibility and efficiency with new features including on-site parking, a café, and closer proximity to its charity shop.

CAG said it has received support from companies across the island, with IWS Guernsey and Diamond Group helping with the move, and Resolution IT taking on the task of ensuring all their systems are up and running on time for free.

It reopens on the 13 January.

To ensure advisor availability, CAG is transitioning to an appointment-based system for in-person consultations, with phone and email support remaining available.

The charity's chief executive Ali Marquis, said: “Fundamentally, we exist to help the local community and the move to Grow will allow us to work smarter and more flexibly; ensuring we reach all those who need our help.There are great facilities at Grow with fully accessible, on-site parking, a café and the number 32 bus goes straight past the premises with a dedicated bus shelter in situ.

“It is great to be part of the Grow community hub where we plan to work closely with the other local charities already in the facility, encouraging collaboration within the third sector. We are also closer to our charity shop in Mont Arrive.”

Pictured: Citizens Advice Guernsey supports around 3,500 clients with approximately 11,000 issues every year. During 2023, the volunteers racked up 10,500 hours for CAG.

Ms Marquis said the move had been a catalyst to look at the way the vital charity is used.

“On very rare occasions, some drop-in clients have not been able to be seen at that time. So, although over 70% of our client contact is over the phone, clients who want to see an adviser in person will now call to book an appointment at a mutually convenient time.

“We continue to seek new volunteers in a variety of roles and varying hours including working from home and working weekends and evenings. Anyone keen to contribute can do so by contacting volunteer@citizensadvice.org.gg.”

You can also reach Citizens Advice Guernsey on the phone, 01481 242266, or find out more by visiting their website here.