Havant suffered a major loss when its Citizens Advice Bureau closed three years ago because of financial difficulties. But it has now reopened at Havant Civic Offices.
The service is more needed than ever now as people are seeking advice about mone
y concerns because of the recession.
Until now, people in Havant have had to travel miles to offices in Waterlooville and Leigh Park for legal or financial help. But bosses say the town centre office will help at least 1,000 people over the next year.
Richard Solly, the chief executive of Havant and District Citizens Advice Bureau, which is run by volunteers, said: 'Unfortunately, our statistics are on the up – debt issues are up by 20 per cent, employment by 20 per cent and redundancy by 200 per cent.
'We're feeling the increasing demand from the economic climate.'
The former bureau, in East Street, closed because of lack of volunteers, coupled with rising rent and energy costs.
Three years on, Mr Solly has managed to attract enough funding – in the region of £20,000 – to keep a service in Havant town centre for at least the next two years.
Cash has come from local businesses, government grants and charities.
Some of the money has come from Macmillan Cancer Support, and for the first time advisers will be able to offer support to cancer sufferers and their families.
Mr Solly said: 'We're getting back to pretty good financial stability.
'Local businesses have been very good to us. Havant Borough Council has given us a cheap licence for two years to be in the offices.'
Statistics show that 2,500 people contacted the service in the Havant borough two years ago.
This year, more than 4,000 residents are expected to ask for advice.
The Havant office will be open on Fridays until October, when it will open on Thursdays as well as more advisers come on board.
The office is open from 10am to 3pm, although 1pm to 3pm is by appointment only.
