Cheshire East CAB North: Bureau Profile
Cheshire East Citizens Advice Bureau North offers advice and support to individuals and local bodies within the area of Cheshire East previously covered by Macclesfield Borough. We have our main office in Macclesfield, a sub-bureau in Knutsford and outreach services in Colshaw Farm estate, Alderley Edge, Wilmslow and Poynton.
We have provided a valuable service offering information and advice to the local community for over 70 years. The main problems brought to the bureau are concerning welfare benefits, debt, employment, housing and legal – and we deal with around 12,000 enquiries a year from 5000 – 6000 different clients.
The District service is managed by the Chief Officer, Operations Manager and Advice Services Manager who have responsibility for the volunteer Generalist service as well as the specialist services in Welfare Benefits, Employment, Debt and Mental Health Advocacy.
For the Generalist Service we have a small administration team and a large team of volunteer advisers – including a team specialising in employment. The enabling funding for the bureau is provided by Cheshire East Council.
We are a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity and the bureau management is overseen by our Trustee Board, which comprises voluntary members of the community and representatives of organisations and local government. The Trustee Board has legal and financial responsibility for the bureau and is involved in recruitment and selection of all volunteer and paid staff.
The bureau in Macclesfield is based in commercial premises opposite the Medical Centre and close to both the bus station and railway station. We have good sized office accommodation, including a separate meeting room. In total we have 7 interview rooms, 5 for the Generalist service and 2 for specialist services.
Cheshire East CAB North operates a combination of open door drop-in sessions, pre booked appointment sessions and telephone and e-mail advice. Our open door sessions are staffed by triage advisers to ensure an efficient service to our clients.
Our Knutsford sub-bureau is situated in the local community centre and operates 3 mornings per week. Our outreach services operate either one or two sessions a week or one session a month depending on location. All our outreach services are supported by our specialist teams who will also make home and/or hospital visits.