THE positive role that Citizens Advice plays in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area was outlined by MSP Annabelle Ewing this week.

Ms Ewing met with Norma Philpott, CEO of Citizens’ Advice & Rights Fife (CARF) at her constituency office in Cowdenbeath and commented on the organisation's 80th Anniversary and on the 'fantastic work' that it carries out.

Ms Ewing said: “Part of the Citizens Advice network, CARF is an independent charity that provides free expert help and advice on a range of issues.

“I really appreciated the opportunity to catch up with Norma to hear, in this CARF’s 80th anniversary year, about the fantastic work that their staff and volunteers do to help people".

She added: “As well as hearing further about the work they do in relation to money advice services and welfare benefits but, it was of great interest to learn about the particular focus they have at the moment on helping clients to claim Universal Credit, Carers income maximisation, and advice for EU nationals on the EU settled status scheme.

“They are also running dedicated projects on veterans, and on MacMillan cancer services.

“I really want to thank CARF for the positive difference they make to people’s lives every day in my constituency of Cowdenbeath and across Fife. For as they say in their annual report, a timely piece of information or advice can be life changing in tackling poverty and inequality".

The Cowdenbeath bureau at 322 High Street is open Monday to Friday with drop-in sessions available at some times in the day and specialist appointments at others. Folk can also phone in on 0345 1400 095. The Cowdenbeath office offers a public drop in service for all advice needs.

Norma Philpott said: "You don’t need to make an appointment to come and see us – just come in during the Drop-In Session hours on our website."