Thanks to funding from Investing in Communities at EEDA, visitors to libraries in Fenland are now able to access specialist advice services with the help of Advicehub, a partnership initiative led by the four Cambridgeshire Citizens Advice Bureaux, Cambridge, Ely, Fenland and Huntingdonshire, and funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Advicehub is using a combination of innovative technology and partnership working with other organisations to increase people’s access to good quality advice services.
Advicehub self-help touchscreen kiosks have been installed in the libraries in March, Chatteris and Whittlesey where people can find answers to common issues including employment, benefits, debt and family/relationship problems. In the future, advice sessions with specialist advisers will be possible, using webcam and Skype technology. All of this will save travelling costs and time and increase people’s access to good quality advice services where and when they need it.
A network of kiosks is being installed in other community locations across Cambridgeshire, from Wisbech to Sawston. To find your nearest touchscreen kiosk, visit http://www.advicehub.org/advice/advicehub-locations/
The Advicehub Partnership Forum has recently been set up, with over 20 advice agencies across the county aiming to work together more effectively and efficiently, whilst always keeping the client at the heart of the advice process. This includes compiling a service mapping directory, so that agencies can refer clients on for specialist advice more quickly, and creating a common client registration form so that all providers understand the full range of a client’s needs.
Note: Advicehub operates as part of Cambridge CAB, a registered charity no 1056102.