At the AGM of Citizens Advice Bureau Westhill and District last week, I was very sad to resign as a director of the organisation. I first became involved back in 2005 when Aberdeenshire Council advertised a public meeting looking for volunteers to help set up an independent advice centre. That initial meeting led me to be part of a steering group which saw the advice centre open in the Old School House a few hours a week with our only assets being a filing cabinet, a laptop, intermittent internet connection and a handful of advisers.

Over the next few years the committee started off the process of achieving CAB status, attracting funding and finding new premises.

Since CAB status was achieved, the move to bigger premises in the shopping centre,  2 paid staff being employed and further funding awarded, the service has really gone from strength to strength.

In 2012/2013, during 1900 client meetings, the CAB dealt with 7500 issues and 3400 actions. They gained £1,013,000 for their clients – much of it available to be spent in the local community. The total cost of operating the bureau was £75,150. For every £1 of that annual cost, the financial gain for clients was £13.50.

Banchory Advice Centre has agreed to join the Westhill branch in 2013/2014 to form an enlarged bureau.

I support 100% the volunteers and paid staff – they work extremely hard for local residents for advancement of education, human rights, health, community development and for relief of those in need.

I wish the Board every success in the future. Remember if you have spare time or spare cash – the CAB needs you!