I'm heartbroken to hear about the closure of several CAB branches - these centres are a lifeline for so many people facing life-altering circumstances. They never turn anybody away, they provide unbiased help for free to vulnerable people.

I worked in my local CAB before coming to uni & the experiences I had there were instrumental in my decision to study law from a perspective of helping others, to use my skills and knowledge for a positive social purpose. I was welcomed there.

The CAB that I worked in was instrumental in providing immigration support and translation services to the local community - something distinctly lacking otherwise. I've never seen such tireless, dedicated people. People who genuinely want to help and make a difference.

TW: mentions domestic abuse
On a more personal note, when a close family member escaped from her abusive, controlling partner, CAB helped her get her life back again. She had been denied access to any of the marital finances, wasn't allowed to shop for herself, and had...

...been completely gaslighted, broken down, and had no faith she would ever get out. CAB services gave her the confidence and the information to get back on her feet; she was given information about budgeting, helped to sort out years of financial pile-up that she had...

...been barred from accessing, helped to get on the council housing list, and given the first steps to divorce proceedings she never thought she'd have the confidence to initiate. CAB helped her in immeasurable ways - not just through providing info, but personally too.

Cutting CAB funding is an insult. These services are vital, especially now, and closing some of their branches will directly contribute to putting people in danger, ruin, and terrible circumstances. I'm so, so outraged by this - and you should be too.

Please sign and share the petition below: https://www.change.org/p/glasgow-city-council-save-glasgow-s-citizens-advice-bureaux