THE Citizens’ Advice Bureau in Okehampton and Okehampton Friendly Circle are among the organisations to benefit from nearly £60,000 of grants handed out in the first quarter of 2016 by Okehampton United Charity.

Trustees of the charity have met each month in 2016 and awarded grants to 19 local groups and individuals totalling £57,632. The biggest grant given out so far in 2016 is £25,000 to the town’s Citizens’ Advice offices, based at the Ockment Centre.

The organisation provides free, confidential and impartial advice to anyone and everyone in the community. Last year, the Okehampton office supported over 2,600 clients who presented 3,660 individual issues in areas such as debt, employment, housing, benefits and tax credits. The volunteer advisers based in the town supported each one of those clients with independent advice to help them tackle their issue and move forward with their lives.

The grant from Okehampton United Chariy is a significant contribution to the overall Citizens Advice service in the town, which also includes a local Adviceline telephone hub and email and webchat advisers. Vicki Rowe, CEO for the Charity and West Devon District Manager, Viki Phillips expressed their thanks on behalf of the Charity.

Vicki said: ‘Oh behalf of all the staff and volunteers in Okehampton, we would like to thank Okehampton United Charities for such a generous award and express our appreciation for the support they have shown us.

‘Like us, they believe that our charity is a valuable service in the town and have shown that through this substantial investment that will enable us to continue providing the advice that so many residents in the area need.’

The money will help to support the unique face to face advice which the charity offers; this includes the ongoing training of their volunteer advisers to ensure the advice they give to clients is to the credible and high standard for which Citizens Advice are renowned.

Those looking for advice can call into the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm, or call 03444 111 444.

Okehampton Friendly Circle has received a £700 grant.

Marie Aubin, secretary for Okehampton Friendly Circle, said: ‘The money will be used to help pay for the venues of their meetings.

‘The club is most grateful to the United Charity for this grant.’

Other groups and organisations to benefit from United Charity grants include Time for Life, Okehampton Battle of the Bands, Okehampton Festival of Food and Music, Okehampton and District Community Transport Group, OCRA and the town’s celebrations for the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Since the turn of the year, Okehampton Educational Foundation has awarded grants of £18,700 to local groups and individuals to support education in the town and its hamlets.

Last year, the charity handed out approximately £152,000 to support groups within Okehampton and its hamlets.

For more information visit the website www.okehamptoncharities.org.uk