Caithness CAB helped get over £3 million in financial benefits for people in the past year, says new manager
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ALMOST 1800 people in Caithness were assisted by the local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) during the coronavirus pandemic in the past year and were helped to claim £3.3 million in financial benefits.
That was revealed by the new local manager, Sadie Kevill, who took over the role three months ago following a management background in hospitality and early learning and childcare. She also played "an active part in the community through voluntary work".
The figures are down on the previous year, when 2000 people were assisted by the team and £4 million in monetary claims made but are still "positive, considering everything that's been going on". She pointed out that there has been "lots of community support and help because of the pandemic."
Sadie, who is 41 and comes from London, moved to the county 18 years ago with her husband, Anthony. The couple have two children, Ellie (16) and 15-year-old Ethan.
She is enjoying her work but realises there will be many challenges ahead with Covid-19 still impacting on people's lives despite the lifting of most of the restrictions and the UK government's furlough scheme due to finish at the end of the month.
Sadie is looking forward to the CAB offices in Wick and Thurso opening again after having to close to the public during the coronavirus crisis. Help and support was provided to people in need during that time by phone and email.
"We are slowly preparing for the reopening and have started off with an appointment system which will ensure we can maintain our measures to keep everyone safe," she said.
Sadie explained that her role involves the day-to-day management of the team of 18, including volunteers, and addressing the advice and support needs of the community. She also works with the CAB board, Citizen's Advice Scotland and liaises with other bureau managers in the Highlands and local partners.
"We have a range of roles – general and specialist advisers, including employment and the law, welfare rights, energy and debt advisers," she said.
Asked what she would like to achieve, Sadie replied: "To continue to meet the needs of the Caithness community and develop our service to support them as needs change and to work with our partners in the local community to achieve that."
She said there has been "a real need" for the CAB services in Caithness during the pandemic and pointed out that in the last year the team has helped local people get over £3 million of financial entitlements – around 50 per cent of which were related to benefits.
And what about the future?
"Supporting the community with some of the possible challenges that lie ahead, including the planned ending of the additional £20 payment for people claiming Universal Credit, energy prices rising and the ending of the furlough scheme," she stated.
"I am really delighted to be part of such a great organisation, working with a great team and a supportive board of management. I've been in post a short while now and it is wonderful to see the help and support our advisers provide," she said.
Sadie likes living here and sees Caithness as home. Away from work she relaxes by walking "in the beautiful countryside" and on the many beaches in the county.
