Citizens' Information Centre, MABS get new Navan home

The new premises for the Meath Citizens' Information Service (CIS) and Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) at Cannon Row, Navan, was opened by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Éamon " Cuív, last Thursday. The Navan Citizens' Information Centre was established in 1976 and has six staff, two community employment workers and 10 volunteers. This busy service provides information, advice and advocacy to people on their rights and entitlements. "Now, more than ever, people need to know where to go and what to do in order to get their entitlements," Deborah Dwyer, manager of the Meath CIS, explained. "Our service provides free, impartial and confidential information. As part of our service, the CIS undertakes advocacy work for people who may need additional assistance navigating through the system and accessing services," she added. A free legal advice clinic operates out of the Navan centre along with the CIS hosting marriage relationship counselling service - both of which are by appointment. In 2009, Meath CIS responded to 12,413 callers and dealt with 15,500 queries, of which 46 per cent related to social welfare and 19 per cent related to employment. It operates a service in Navan, Trim and Ashbourne and provides outreach services in Dunboyne and Kells as well as supporting the Meath Traveller Information Support Unit. As well as dropping into their local centre, people can also log onto the Citizens' Information website, www.citizensinformation.ie, or call the Citizens Information Phone Service Lo-Call 1890 121 777. Addressing the staff, volunteers and invited guests in the new offices, Minister " Cuív said: "This is my first official opening of a joint venture, such as this, since I took up my new post as Minister for Social and Family Affairs and I want to congratulate you on your customer friendly approach in having these complementary services available to the people of Meath under one roof in a fully accessible environment." Minister " Cuív went on to say that the population of Meath has increased by almost 50 per cent in the 10 years from 1996 to 2006 - the second highest in the country after Fingal in Dublin. "The staff and volunteers of these services provide a first class service to this large and diverse population. Meath MABS delivers a Community Education Programme to a wide and varied number of groups as well as public awareness campaigns involving local media. Meath CIS has also proved itself to be innovative and proactive in providing information to non-Irish nationals who may have language difficulties and it was the first CIS to provide a lo-call service to customers. The CIS is actively involved with a number of local organisations and undertakes a high level of advocacy in the areas of employment and social welfare." Meath MABS was established in 1996 and provides a free independent and confidential service to people experiencing debt difficulties. It is a countywide service and holds five outreach clinics in Kells, Ashbourne, Trim, Dunboyne and Dunshaughlin. In 2009, there were 227 new clients and 540 people sought information on budgeting and money management issues. Currently there are a total of 916 clients registered with Meath MABS. "The problems that people in debt face are often complex and usually not only financial and but also often of a legal nature," Tommy Curran, co-ordinator of Meath MABS, said. The service is also active in educating local communities on budgeting and money management. Money advisors provide practical assistance, advice and support by working out a budget suited to the individual and family. They also will negotiate on behalf of clients with creditors where appropriate. People can make an appointment to see the local money adviser or phone the MABS national helpline on 1890 283 438 or log onto the MABS website www.mabs.ie. Both services are funded and supported by the Citizens' Information Board.