Phone call from CAB

Yes, I think it is part of depression, with a lot of bad experiences thrown in for good measure!

Still, there are plenty of people feeling the same way! My heart goes out to all!

Fedup wrote:

Do you think I should take them up on their offer, or go it alone? Opinion,

Many thanks,


Rachel

Even though my experience with my local CAB was very bad ( I must stress 'local' ), I would accept their help. But, be prepared in case they have a change of heart.

Twice I had CAB help me right up to the appeal and on both occasion's they pulled out at the last minute. They have done the same to many others in my area. So whilst any help is an advantage, don't take anything they say has gospel. I'm aware CAB in my area are not the best, and you hear more positive then negative about CAB in most areas.

Thanks Doris, I will have to meet the woman who rang me before I accept any help because I very much go on instincts when I meet someone.

If we don't 'click' at all it would be pointless me seeing her again. This is purely a personal condition and like you, I am sure some do a brilliant job.

Thanks for your reply!

Best wishes,
Rachel

Fedup wrote:

Thanks Doris, I will have to meet the woman who rang me before I accept any help because I very much go on instincts when I meet someone.

If we don't 'click' at all it would be pointless me seeing her again. This is purely a personal condition and like you, I am sure some do a brilliant job.

Thanks for your reply!

Best wishes,
Rachel

good idea have a look at them, see if they look like used car salesmen I am sure you will be able to work out what you think of them

even if you decide to tell them no thanks you know your back in control and making the decsions

Do the CAB have to work on statistics at all. ie more money per person they see or is it down to volunteers and their good will?

Do tribunal judges take them seriously?

Sorry for extra questions, I'm seeking reassurance.

Each CAB is a separate charity and they get their funding from a variety of sources including the Legal Service Commissin (legal aid) and local authorities.

In order to get this funding, they have to satisfy the organisations that pay it that they are spending it on what it is paid for. For example, if they do legal aid work, they need to check that the client is entitled to legal aid, and so on. They also gather various statistical information so that they know, for example, how many clients are on benefits, or how much debt the clients they've advised over the last year have collectively had.

They typically rely on a mixture of volunteers and paid staff. You cannot make assumptions as to whether paid staff or volunteers are better. A volunteer may be someone who's just had a little training and not much experience, or they may have been there 20 years. Likewise paid staff.