On Thursday 10th October a large gathering of staff and volunteers, both past and present, were joined by organisations from across Watford and the county to celebrate Citizens Advice Watford’s achievements over the last 85 years. Mayor Peter Taylor and Chief Executive of Watford Council Donna Nolan attended to convey the town’s gratitude.

Those present at the celebration had the opportunity to look back at extraordinary newspaper and video archives showing how the charity has helped residents over the decades.

Plenty has changed in Watford and the country over 85 years, but the charity’s purpose of giving free, confidential advice and support to anyone in need hasn’t. Communities still face many of the same challenges: a lack of secure housing and employment, debt rising due to the cost of living, unaffordable food and energy bills.

Last year the charity’s team of 20 staff and 40 volunteers gave advice and support to a staggering 700 people a month. Helping those who have nowhere else to turn with complex, challenging issues, and ensuring their rights were upheld.

The gathering at Wellspring Church listened in silence as one of the clients supported this year spoke powerfully about how she was helped in a time of crisis, preventing her and her children from becoming homeless.

They also heard from one of the volunteers who have been the beating heart of the charity since it began 85 years ago. David Fisher described how he was motivated to give back to the town he grew up in, to speak up for people facing challenging problems alone and those struggling to access help and support.

The audience was inspired by the keynote speaker at the event. Graham Whitham is CEO of the charity Resolve Poverty which helps organisations work together to develop local strategic and practical responses to poverty.

Emma Burgham, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Watford, explains how the charity views working closely with other organisations as essential both for getting the best outcomes for individuals and for tackling poverty:

“We know that working together we can achieve more, get advice to people at the earliest stage and prevent people’s problems worsening. We are excited by the insight Graham has shared and are determined to push forward with our partners to achieve even more for the people of Watford. We’re driven both by our ambition to make things better for individuals and to change the underlying causes of problems. “

Donna Nolan, CEO of Watford Borough Council, led the thanks for the organisation, highlighting the committed service of the staff and volunteer team and their extraordinary achievements, both in the last year and over the previous 85 years. She said:

“Citizens Advice Watford has been a constant to the communities of Watford, helping them navigate the challenges they face, working collaboratively across the town with expert and holistic advice. I would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Citizens Advice Watford for their professionalism, hard work, compassion and determination to help people address their issues and understand their rights.”