COVID-19 has had a huge financial impact on our community and Citizens Advice has seen a huge increase in demand for advice services. This new project is to help set up and continue developing our service so that we can meet the need of our local community as we move out of lockdown and into the 'new normal'. As the government begins to withdraw the support network put in place during the pandemic, we aim to provide the support that the North & West Kent community needs. We will do this by building a flexible working model to reflect the unpredictable times that lay ahead. We will provide necessary equipment, recruit and fully train volunteer advisers (ensuring that the volunteers are equipped to work flexibly, which will maximise this valuable resource and ensure volunteer retention.) The project will allow us to work in new innovative ways providing our clients with a range of channels through which they can seek advice.

What we'll deliver:

• 6 laptops and 6 headsets to equip 6 new volunteer advisers

Why it's a great idea:

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, with the help of COVID emergency funding we have helped local people with more than 31,000 separate issues including benefit entitlements, debt, employment and relationship challenges. During this period we have successfully gained income for our clients of just under £3m. As the government begins to withdraw the financial support put in place during the pandemic we expect to see a further spike in demand for advice. This new project will enable us to respond innovatively to that demand. We will achieve this by recruiting and training a team of 6 new volunteer advisers and providing them with portable IT packages so they can work flexibly to suit an ever-changing environment. This will provide the client with a range of advice.

Steps to get it done:

• The purchase of portable equipment including 6 laptops and six headsets