Local resident Tracy Dighton has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer at Citizens Advice 1066. Tracy said: “I am delighted to begin my work at Citizens Advice 1066. We provide a wide range of specialist advice services to Hastings and East Sussex residents, including debt advice and the Pension Wise Service.”
Tracy is relishing her new role, but also acknowledges these are challenging times for the advice services across East Sussex. “I have joined Citizens Advice 1066 at a time when funding is being reduced, and demand for our services is increasing.
“We are having to turn away some people in real need of debt advice. If people are unable to access debt and other vital advice services in a timely manner, then situations can quickly deteriorate and a person can find their life unravelling very quickly. ”
“For an individual this can mean they find it more difficult to access support for their issues, and can increase the financial burden on the state and health services.
“Part of my role will be to look at all possible ways of working with the NHS, local authorities and other local charities and groups to keep services going for the people who need them.”
Tracy is an active local campaigner, and is involved with the Tilling Green Community Centre CIC (Community Interest Company) which may run the community centre – if and when a new centre is built.
Rye residents’ local Citizens Advice is Rother CAB which they can access at the High Street library, Help and Information Point every Tuesday 10:30am-12:30pm and 1.30-3:30pm.
The 1066 Bureau run by Tracy offers the Pension Wise service for all East Sussex residents. Tracy comments: “I can say that anyone from Rye or the surrounding areas will find it an easy journey to get to a Pension Wise appointment at the Hub as St. Leonards Warrior Square train station is at the end of the road, and it’s also an easy car journey.”
Citizens Advice 1066, together with Brighton Housing Trust and Hastings Advice & Representation Centre, work out of The Advice and Community Hub, London Road, St. Leonards.
The Hub is an integrated advice centre providing free, confidential and quality assured advice on a full range of topics, including debt, welfare benefits, housing, employment, immigration and relationships.
The Hub is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9am and 4:30pm, and on Tuesday and Thursday between 9am and 12:30pm. More information on the full range of services can be found here, or you can call 01424 721458 or you can follow the Hub on Facebook and Twitter.
Photo: Zowie Price