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All Aboard Mitcham’s ‘Hope Bus’

Summary:

Free advice on a range of issues is available in Mitcham from an unlikely destination.

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By Benedict Munden

 

 A double-decker bus is welcoming passengers who want to discuss money and legal matters in confidence in Mitcham this Friday.

 

As part of Advice Week the Hope Bus will have professionals from Merton and Lambeth Citizens Advice Bureau onboard and will be parked at the clock tower on Fair Green between 10.30am and 2.30pm. 

 

The converted double-decker is being leant to the bureau by Mitcham-based Jeremiah Project as part of national Advice Week which started on Monday.

 

A Citizens Advice Bureau spokesperson said the week aims to raise awareness of the new Equality Act and it hopes to encourage victims of discrimination to seek help.

 

Advisers will be there to assist with debt management and legal enquiries, as well as with a wide-range of other issues.

 

A 53-year-old woman who asked to remain anonymous said: “Going to the Citizens Advice Bureau was a hard step for me to make, but when I was struggling financially, their help was invaluable.”

 

The ‘Hope Bus’ recently underwent refurbishment after £70,000 was raised over two years and is now equipped with computers, a classroom, a meeting room and a café area.

 

In the future the bus will provide help with money management and will teach children about the danger of drugs. The project is building a network of volunteers ranging from drivers to advisers.

 

“The bus will give hope,” said Kevin Vickers of the Jeremiah Project.

 

“It will work in practical ways to serve the community.”

 

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