The Independent Resource Centre in Dalmuir has reopened in a bid to support the backlog of people seeking advice over their finances, welfare payments and debt advice.

The centre closed its doors in March due to lockdown but staff continued to work on existing cases from home.

A number of local businesses have supported the reopening of the centre.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) was donated and screens were made and fitted by Clydebank-based companies, FieldCore Service Solutions and Glenhead Engineering Ltd.

Distillers Auchentoshan and Chivas Regal also supplied sanitiser and Trafalgar Housing Association and Hardgate Celtic Supporters Club donated funds to allow the centre to purchase PPE.

Between March 23 and the start of July, the centre received 400 enquiries from West Dunbartonshire residents who were mainly struggling to apply for Universal Credit or were financially struggling as they waited to receive their first payment.

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Danny McCafferty, media liaison officer at the centre, told the Post although the centre has reopened, people must phone ahead for an appointment, as he expects a rise in cases.

He said: “Last year, we received over 3,000 cases of people requiring monetary or welfare advice and support, with everything that has happened with the economy and job losses I would be expecting a greater amount again this year.

“Given we have been closed for three months now, that in turn has caused a backlog in people being supported also.

“Therefore, to reduce traffic coming into the centre, and to ensure we can keep up with the workload and successfully work with people to help them clear or manage debt, apply for benefits and offer the best advice, for now I would ask that people contact the resource centre and book in – although we will be reopening to walk-ins.”

Danny also stressed that no one is turned away at the centre, there is no eligibility criteria and there are expert advisers who manage cases.

Should someone present at the centre and require additional support which is not within that offered by financial experts - such as mental health support, counselling or support with other issues such as housing, the team will refer to one of the many other support agencies who they work alongside.

The centre is available to anyone living in the West Dunbartonshire area and is situated a short walk from Dalmuir train station, at the Golden Jubilee Hospital on Dumbarton Road.