Foundation Scotland funding in action: Citizens Advice Scotland
Scotland’s leading advice charity received funding as demand for life-changing support reached record levels.
"We support people others don’t, see things that others don’t, and we know what needs to change..."
This is the profound nature of the work that the Citizen's Advice network, which operates from more than 300 advice points across Scotland, undertakes every day.
Last year, we were able to support Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) and the network of Scotland’s Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABs) with £6 million from our Response Fund, which was designed to support organisations which serve the hardest hit communities across the country. CABs are often the first point of contact for people in crisis and their advisers support thousands of people experiencing the most complex of circumstances. With this funding, they were able to take some of the pressure off the people behind this support, providing security and stability in a way that’s helped them continue the vital service they provide across Scotland's communities, growing their outreach and other services.
Amid rising living costs, the network of over 300 advice points experienced unprecedented demand:
- 23% increase in enquiries driven by the cost-of-living crisis and ongoing austerity
- Over 702,500 advice issues handled
- Nearly one in four contacts delivered in person
- Supported by 564,000 volunteering hours
The £6 million award from Foundation Scotland provided much-needed security and stability, enabling the continuation of vital services and the expansion of outreach amidst growing community needs.
CABs told us that thanks to this support they were able to focus on increasing advocacy and representation, and help more people with fuel poverty, food poverty, and income inequality. The person-centred and people-led support offered by the CABs ensures that no-one is left behind, and that systems and opportunities can benefit those who are marginalised, face discrimination or disadvantage.
Giles Ruck, CEO of Foundation Scotland, said:
As Scotland’s Community Foundation, we are acutely aware that people across the country are continuing to face ongoing financial hardship, struggling to keep their heads above water or pay their bills. We want to support communities and individuals where we can. We want to go at least some way to help those affected by financial crisis, as well as help organisations and charities to stabilise and rebuild. As CABS are Scotland’s number one support system for those in financial crises, this funding aimed to keep this critical form of support as accessible and resilient as possible.
Citizens Advice Scotland have produced a short update report on how this funding has been used. It includes stories of life changing interventions, and hope for the future.
We want to thank all of the staff and the hundreds of volunteers who continue to provide their services to those facing crisis or who simply don't know where else to turn.