A new assessment advice process will enable more people to receive help from West Devon Citizens Advice Bureau without greatly increasing the resources used.

West Devon Citizens Advice Bureau launched its new process, which is initially being piloted through the bureau telephone service, to help cope with an increased demand for help.

Mandy Kenyon, development officer for the bureau, said they adapted the idea from hospital A&E departments.

She said: 'Everyone who calls the bureau will receive a quick assessment interview to effectively diagnose the problem.

'From there the client will be offered either a full CAB interview for further exploration, a referral to a specialist, or simply a leaflet or web printout depending on what the problem is.'

The new assessment system is being rolled out across the country and has seen higher volumes of people being helped.

'We think it is really going to benefit those people who are capable of sorting things out, but just need to be pointed in the right direction,' added Mrs Kenyon.

Advisors will be more readily available to help on more complex matters, people will be able to get through on the telephone and if they just want a leaflet they will not have to go through a detailed interview.

West Devon CAB tutor Julie Yelland has been training staff and volunteers on the new approach, which is quite different from the hour-long interview given to everyone until now.

West Devon CAB has been working on improving access to the service for a number of years through its Big Lottery-funded outreach and home visiting service. Last year the bureau dealt with £3,630,798 of debt and helped West Devon residents claim £516,998 in benefits and entitlements.

It is planned to extend the gateway service to face-to-face bureau work within the next few months.

For opening hours call 01822 612359 or 01837 52574. Information is available at http://www.adviceguide.org.uk">www.adviceguide.org.uk