Royal British Legion Benefits & Money Advice Service - Citizens Advice Belfast Service Officially Launched

A new service to provide advice and support in Northern Ireland to current and ex- serving members of the Armed Forces and their families was launched today at Belmont Tower, Belfast.

The service is being funded by the Royal British Legion and Royal Airforce Benevolent Fund, who have contracted Citizens Advice to deliver this new advice offering.  As a result a number of specialist posts have been created within 3 bureau across Northern Ireland. The participating bureaux are East Belfast, Enniskillen & Craigavon District who will each deal with enquiries from all serving & ex service personnel, their partners & dependants in Northern Ireland. These advisers will give specialist advice on a range of areas, including benefits and money advice.

Craigavon District CAB will launch their service at the Portadown Town hall on the 19th Feb 2010 with the Eniskillen District launch taking place at Fermanagh House, Enniskillen on the 4th March 2010.

The service is being provided in response to research conducted by The Royal British Legion into the needs of the ex-Service community. This research revealed that a high level of financial problems are encountered by both the Serving and ex-serving communities.

Colin Gracey, the Project Co-ordinator for the Partnership in Northern Ireland said "This partnership aims to use the collective expertise of all its members to assist those who have served their country. Whilst those with ties to the Armed Forces are experiencing similar financial and other problems to the general public, their circumstances and needs will often be unique. Accordingly, the advice provided to them needs to be properly tailored. This service will provide the specialist advice required to ensure that they are fully supported"

 For more information or assistance please contact one of the participating bureaux or Colin Gracey, Project Co-ordinator on graceyc@citizensadvice.co.uk.