Bournemouth Water is working in partnership with Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck to help support its Advice Bus initiative, bringing essential advice and support direct to residents in rural locations.
Now in its second year, the Advice Bus operates five days a week and offers free, face-to-face guidance on a range of issues including debt, housing, and water bills.
In its first year, the service reached over 1,000 residents in rural areas including more than 300 people who were new to Citizens Advice.
Bournemouth Water customers can receive support on managing their bills, helping them to access affordability schemes such as FreshStart and set up manageable payment plans which are tailored to their needs.
Through financial support and ongoing collaboration with Citizens Advice, Bournemouth Water is helping to ensure customers in rural areas are not left behind when it comes to accessing vital services.
Stephanie Martin, Customer Experience Project Manager at Bournemouth Water said: “Too often, people in rural communities’ struggle to access the advice and support they need to live healthy, happy lives and the Advice Bus is helping to change that.
“We are so proud to play a part in this fantastic initiative from Citizens Advice which has already made such a huge impact on the communities it serves. The Advice Bus helps people by meeting them in their area and making it easier to get help with money worries, water bills, and advice on the issues that matter to them.
This partnership forms part of Bournemouth Water’s broader commitment to supporting vulnerable customers and working with community organisations to deliver practical, local support.
Bournemouth Water currently supports over 3,000 customers each year through its affordability packages.
Paul Gosling, Head of Business and Development, Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck said: “We are very appreciative of the support Bournemouth Water has provided towards our Advice Bus. It has enabled us to have trained Advisers on our bus who can offer a wide range of advice services to residents who are rurally isolated.”
Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck’s Advice Bus timetable can be found on their website www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk/get-advice/advice-bus
For more information on the financial support that Bournemouth Water provides, visit www.bournemouthwater.co.uk/household/help-support/financial-support or call 01202 590059 (8am-6pm Monday to Friday, and 9am-2pm on Saturdays).