Saturday openings lunch on August 12 for CAB Helensville

A new change is coming for Citizens Advice Bureau Helensville.

The office at 16 Commercial Rd will open on Saturdays from August 12, 10am to noon.

Manager Rani Timoti says the initiative also aims to deliver “a hub” of other services like Justices of the Peace.

The Saturday morning openings is one of the innovative ways for more clients to access Citizens Advice Bureau Helensville.

“If we can make it easier for clients with hours outside of our current limited mid-week ones, including for visitors and tourists, that would be great. It also covers at least two of our membership principles- Accessibility and Accountability,” says Rani.

“We’ll assess and be flexible for what works better for clients as far as times and other things but hopefully we can add a lawyer, budgeter, employment adviser and even themes like literacy and numeracy.”

Rani says there’s a wealth of backgrounds, experiences and skills from current volunteers as well as groups or representatives who want to come on board or can see the potential of collaboration.

“The overwhelming positive public backing for CAB Auckland offices due to possible closure from Auckland Council funding cuts has been encouraging for our organisation’s reputation and shows how we’re very much needed. It also educated those who don’t use our services about what we actually do.”

Saturday openings could also open the door to potential volunteers who work during the week.

“There was a time I would have liked to volunteer for CAB but I was working full-time during the day- a Saturday morning or afternoon roster would have suited my schedule.”

Since merging under the CAB North Shore umbrella with six other branches it has been a win-win with pooled resources, learning and development and social opportunities

“We celebrated a wonderful 50th anniversary for CAB Birkenhead which served as a fantastic networking milestone and sharing of who we are, what we do and why we make a difference.”

Come and visit if you need our CAB Helensville services with current opening hours from 10am to 1pm on Monday to Friday before Saturday openings from August 12.

Volunteers in research action at Citizens Advice Bureau Helensville.