A NEW Citizens Advice bus has hit the roads of Purbeck to offer free help and support to residents.

The Advice Bus was officially declared open by Mayor of Swanage, Cllr Tina Foster and deputy mayor, Cllr Chris Moreton, at Swanage Market – one of the weekly bus stop locations.

It aims to deliver a service to those who cannot easily access existing outreaches or are digitally excluded.

Katrina Ford, business development manager, Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck, said: “The Advice Bus will visit locations across East Dorset and Purbeck reaching residents who are unable to access current services due to rural isolation, restricted mobility, cost of fuel or limited access to public transport.”

The cost of living crisis has resulted in a big increase in the number of people needing advice, according to Citizens Advice.

In 2022, the East Dorset and Purbeck branch helped more than 5,000 people with advice issues and the number is expected to rise.

“We are most worried about those on the lowest incomes including the elderly, vulnerable and disadvantaged with many struggling to pay every day bills,” Katrina added.

“Our advisers on the bus will be able to provide general advice and support which is free and there is no need to book an appointment. Other voluntary sector organisations will be joining us at some locations to provide additional support services.”

The Advice Bus will be stopping at the following locations on a weekly basis:
* Monday, 10am-noon, Colehill Village Hall
* Tuesday, 10am-noon,Verwood (The Hub)
* Tuesday, 1pm-3pm, West Moors (Parkway Car Park)
* Wednesday, 10am-noon, Corfe Mullen (St Nicholas Church)
* Thursday, 10am-noon, The D’Uberville Centre, Wool
* Thursday, 1pm-3pm, Bovington (The Hive)
* Friday, 10am-noon, Swanage Market (Main Beach Car Park)

For more information about the Advice Bus visit
www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk/get-advice/advice-bus.