Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (D&G CAS) helped over 8,000 clients, putting £9.9 million back into their pockets and into the local economy in the last year.
The charity’s revealed the figures for 2023-24 in their newly released annual report.
Marsali Caig, D&G CAS Chair of the Board, said: “I think this really demonstrates our value to Dumfries and Galloway, not just in financial terms, but in human impact too. Of course, we are rightly proud of the financial gains we bring to our clients, £9.9 million makes a big difference.
“But behind the figures are real individuals and our report shows how we transform lives and bring hope to people who are struggling. The thing that makes D&G CAS so successful is the knowledge, skills and compassion of our incredible staff and volunteers. I think the phenomenal results we have achieved this year demonstrate that.”
Phil Stewart, D&G CAS Chief Executive said the annual report tells of the real-life experiences of a number of their clients, volunteers, staff and partners, behind the statistics.
“The success of our service is not only measured in financial gain, but in the way it helps to change lives for the better,” he added.
“We continue to develop ways to offer our advice service where it is needed, across our region and into some of the harder to reach rural communities. As a charity, flat funding over recent years is a challenge and that is why fundraising is so important to us. I urge everyone to visit our website to read our report and watch the short accompanying videos.”
Marsali said as a charity they were reliant on funding from a wide range of partners referenced and thanked in the report and indebted to volunteers who gave up almost 8,000 hours of their own time to deliver a life changing service.
“Any donations or fundraising events are always very gratefully received, or if you would like to help us by volunteering, please get in touch,” she said. “Our Board members are all volunteers and we would welcome interest from people who may be interested in becoming a trustee/director.”
The 2023-24 Annual Report, available to read at the link above, also contains a number of short videos accessible from links within the document.