VOLUNTEERS at Crosspoint, the local community support centre, have said they saw a 50% increase in people using their services in the second half of 2022.
Chair of Crosspoint, Kevin Fairman said, “Through a combination of the Covid pandemic easing and the cost-of-living crisis worsening, we have seen a +50% increase in activity in the second half of 2022, compared with the first half.
“As with Wiltshire Citizens Advice, we are also seeing more people coming back on a regular basis for support and with more complex issues than a few years ago. The five months delay in the Department of Work & Pensions processing PIP (Personal Independence Payments) forms for people with an illness, disability or mental health condition should be a national scandal. Similarly with Attendance Allowance and other benefits.
“With the cost-of-living crisis only seeming to get worse over the winter, Crosspoint will be launching a debt advice service in Westbury and surrounding areas in the new year. More information to follow on this new service.
“We have also increased the size of our counselling team in response to a +60% increase in referrals from the White Horse Health Centre. This has enabled us to reduce waiting time for a first counselling session by 1/3, but it is still longer than we would like.
“We always welcome new volunteers, so please stop by for a chat when we are open on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, or Saturday mornings.”
To contact Crosspoint, please phone 01373 824330 and leave a message or email info@crosspoint-westbury.co.uk
