Citizens Advice saved from lockdown closure

Saturday 30 January 2021

A charity that supports thousands of islanders through hard times has itself been saved from of a lockdown shutdown, after two businesses stepped up to upgrade Citizens Advice's IT and phone services.

Citizens Advice will re-open remotely on Monday, less than a week after the charity had to call a time out as its ageing IT systems would not support working from home.

The charity appealed for help after it was forced to ceased operations following the lockdown-enforced closure of its branch on The Bridge. 

In a welcome turn, Citizens Advice CEO Kerry Ciotti was inundated with messages and offers of support.

“As soon as we had announced of the closure of our office we were being contacted by local firms and organisations to see how they could help," said Mrs Ciotti. "It was really heartening and a great credit to the local business community."

Sure Community Foundation and Resolution IT are providing the charity with upgraded telephone services and IT at short notice.

"I can’t tell you how grateful we are for this timely and generous offer of help," said Mrs Ciotti. "It means that we can offer the same quality of service over the phone throughout lockdown, which is when many islanders will be wanting our help."

Pictured: The Guernsey branch of the charity provides free and confidential advice to around 4,000 people annually. 

"Our volunteers are so motivated to help clients, and work so hard, which is why it means so much that the business community has stepped up to support us at this difficult time. In helping Citizens Advice they are helping Guernsey."

A spokesman for the Sure Community Foundation said the company is "always looking for opportunities" to help local charities. "Helping the Citizens Advice like this was no exception."

Resolution IT CEO Olly Duquemin recognised how important the charity's services are to the community, particularly in the current climate. 

"As soon as I learned that an essential service like Citizens Advice had to close, especially when their services are in high demand, I was sure there was something we could help with to get them quickly operational again."

Citizens Advice Guernsey will begin offering advice over the telephone from Monday, with volunteers working remotely from their homes for the first time. They will be operating from 09:30 to 12:30 on weekdays and can be contacted by calling 242266. Full opening hours will resume as soon as the charity’s office on Bridge Avenue is able to reopen.

Pictured top: Citizens Advice Guernsey CEO Kerry Ciotti and Deputy CEO Ali Marquis.