Citizens Advice Bureau celebrate with style in the Forum

Aimed at raising the profile of CAB Devon and celebrating 65 years of Exeter CAB, the event was held on the final day of the national Citizens Advice Bureau annual conference, which brought 700 people to the Streatham campus over three days.

Around 150 people showed their support by attending the local event, which began with presentations by representatives from both the University and the CAB in the technology-rich Alumni Auditorium.

Sarah Snow, Head of Event Exeter at the University welcomed guests to the Forum, after which David Incoll, CAB Devon Chair, spoke about the newly formed Devon consortium and the network of CABs in the country.  Paying tribute to the 21,000 volunteers across the UK, he stressed the importance of their support as well as the donations which are crucial in securing the charity’s future.

Dr Sue Prince, Associate Professor and Director of Education for the University Law School talked about the strong partnership with Exeter CAB, which allows students to work on a number of projects across the local area.  The Debt Literacy Project helps school children understand debt and improve their financial skills.  Exeter CAB also helped the University set up a legal helpdesk in Exeter Court, which has already handled around 100 cases and provided over 40 students with invaluable legal experience.

To conclude the presentations, Dennis Mardon, Chair of Exeter CAB spoke briefly about the 40,000 enquiries the local bureau handles each year, thanks to the work of the 15 paid staff and 70 volunteers.

Guests were then invited into the upper Street area of the Forum for a cream tea and to toast the 65th anniversary of Exeter CAB and the success of CAB Devon.

Event Exeter, who represent the portfolio of venues at the University, hosted and organized the event in conjunction with colleagues from the CAB.  Commenting on the celebration, Sarah Snow said “The final day of the national conference presented an opportunity to celebrate Exeter’s 65th anniversary; with staff, volunteers and local business representatives.  It was also the perfect platform to launch the newly formed CAB Devon.

Event Exeter was delighted to host the event in the Forum, allowing us to showcase the University’s newest building through community engagement.

Event Exeter’s involvement with CAB during the last 12 months, to organise the national conference for 700 delegates, has highlighted the tireless work of CAB staff and volunteers across many levels.  CAB plays an increasingly important role within today’s community ensuring that local voices are heard and listened to and providing those people with professional advice and support during difficult times.”

Thanking Event Exeter for their support, David Incoll said “We have now ‘put’ CAB Devon on the map and can look forward to the future.”