Citizens Advice moving to new HQ at Grow Ltd

The charity has been helping islanders for the past 46 years, half of that time on the Bridge, assisting some 3,500 clients with 11,000 issues annually.

Alongside the move an important upgrade of its systems will take place, with 70% of the charity’s work now being done over the phone.

‘It’s a massive change right at the end of the year,’ said chief executive officer Ali Marquis.

As the charity’s five-year lease on the Bridge came to an end the chance to move offices to the upgraded headquarters of Grow Ltd, in Les Quartiers, St Sampson’s, offered better opportunities and accessibility for both staff and clients.

‘Fundamentally, we exist to help the local community and the move to Grow will allow us to work smarter and more flexibly, ensuring we reach all those who need our help,’ said Ms Marquis.

The move had been a catalyst to look at the way the vital charity was used and, rather than the current system of clients dropping in for advice, clients will now be seen by appointment to ensure an adviser is available.

‘On very rare occasions, some drop-in clients have not been able to be seen at that time. So, although over 70% of our client contact is over the phone, clients who want to see an adviser in person will now call to book an appointment at a mutually convenient time.’

The Grow site has been transformed in the past couple of years and is looking to become an operational hub for charities. It is on bus route 32 and includes purpose-built access for wheelchairs.

‘I’m really excited, it’s a fantastic opportunity to work with other charities in lovely facilities,’ said Ms Marquis.

CAG has taken a five-year lease at Grow and hopes to extend it.

Ms Marquis feels that the Bridge area is going through a time of uncertainty and seemed to be much quieter in recent times.

The workload of Citizens Advice remains busy, and it continues to seek new volunteers, on an increasingly flexible basis.

‘We continue to seek new volunteers in a variety of roles and varying hours including working from home and working weekends and evenings,’ said Ms Marquis.

Anyone keen to contribute can do so by contacting volunteer@citizensadvice.org.gg.’

The charity intends to stage a formal opening of its new offices later next year.

It will close its doors on the Bridge at 12.30pm on Christmas Eve and will be reopening at Grow on Monday 13 January at 9.30am.