hiya bucks Amersham, Beaconsfield, Chesham, Gerrards Cross, Missenden April 2014 | Page 25

Beaconsfield Advisory Centre – Open for Everyone We have been in existence for 49 years but many years ago when we became volunteers of the BAC we were told not to broadcast the fact. This is now not the case but we do know that there are many in Beaconsfield that do not know we exist and what service we offer. What service do we offer? We are here to offer advice and a listening ear to clients who have problems with benefits, housing, debt, employment, legal, marital, loneliness, and if we are unable to come up with the answers we nearly always know the ‘man who can’! We have specialist debt advisors who will write to creditors to try and reduce the interest and in the worst case scenario will prepare and go with the client to bankruptcy court. We also have specialist employment advisors who will help with redundancies and other employment problems and may prepare them for a tribunal if the situation comes to that. Also on our team are legal advisors who will help with such problems. We fill in benefits forms and help clients with their CV’s. We do home visits to those infirmed and not able to come to the Centre What else do we offer? Within the BAC we are able to offer transport for medical appointments for the elderly and infirm. Our volunteer drivers are willing to go as far as Oxford, Stoke Mandeville and Mount Vernon. This is a free service although donations are always welcome. We always welcome new volunteer drivers – their petrol expenses are reimbursed if required. As well as the transport we also offer a Good Neighbour Scheme where volunteers will do small DIY, gardening jobs, shopping, and befriending. How are we funded? All the local churches contribute towards our administration costs and the United Reformed Church in Beaconsfield provide us with our office free of charge. We have no restrictions on areas and have even had an enquiry from New Zealand! We are under the umbrella of the Beaconsfield Churches Christian Trust and our aim is a fellowship of Christians whose aim is to use their various gifts in practical service to show the love of Jesus Christ, and the active concern of the church for the whole community. When are we open? We are open from Monday to Friday from 10am to 12noon and hopefully soon on Monday and Wednesday in the afternoon from 2pm to 4pm. We are also able to arrange appointments outside of office hours and have a 24 hour emergency line. We also do home visits to those who are not able to come to the Centre Where are we? We are at 18 Aylesbury End (next to the URC church) and our telephone number is 01494 672987 So no more hiding our light – we are proud of what we offer. For further information please contact Sylvia Jones ([email protected]) or the Centre ([email protected]) email: [email protected] | www.hiyabucks.com 25