Although it appears affluent and prosperous, West Berkshire is an area which has deprived individuals and communities. Many people who are ill or disabled, homeless, experiencing financial hardship, mentally ill, without support in the community, unable to read, or simply confused and vulnerable, live in West Berkshire and feel socially excluded.

The CAB can advance Social Inclusion, a significant aspect of West Berkshire's Community Plan, by providing access to information, support and advice services.

In other ways CAB work can:

	support people with debt problems to find affordable solutions and repayments, which can help the local authority and housing associations to achieve effective recovery of debts such as Council Tax and rent arrears.
	bring money into the local economy by ensuring people receive the money to which they are entitled. (for example our Carers Advice team alone helped people to access almost £200,000 in benefits last year)

back to FAQ's