Watford charity Citizens Advice celebrate 85 years

Citizens Advice Watford marked the milestone of community service with a large gathering last week.

Thursday's event was attended by staff and volunteers, both past and present, along with organisations from across Watford and the county.

Mayor Peter Taylor and Watford Council's chief executive, Donna Nolan, were also in attendance to express the town's gratitude.

Chief officer Emma Burgham (far right) and members of her team (Image: Citizens Advice Watford) The chief executive led the thanks for the organisation, highlighting the committed service of the staff and volunteer team and their achievements over the past 85 years.

Ms Nolan 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."

The celebration featured newspaper and video archives, showcasing how the charity has supported residents over the decades.

Despite the many changes in Watford and the country over 85 years, the charity's mission of providing free, confidential advice and support to those in need has remained constant.

The charity continues to address challenges such as lack of secure housing and employment, debt rising due to the cost of living, and unaffordable food and energy bills.

Last year, the charity's team of 20 staff and 40 volunteers provided advice and support to around 700 people each month.

Wartime archive footage of Citizens Advice at work was shown (Image: Citizens Advice Watford) They helped those with complex, challenging issues and ensured their rights were upheld.

The gathering at Wellspring Church heard from a client who shared how the charity's support during a crisis prevented her and her children from becoming homeless.

A volunteer, David Fisher, also spoke about his motivation to give back to his hometown and support those facing challenging problems and struggling to access help.

Graham Whitham, CEO of the charity Resolve Poverty, which helps develop local strategic and practical responses to poverty was the keynote speaker.

Emma Burgham, chief officer at Citizens Advice Watford, explained the importance of working closely with other organisations to achieve the best outcomes for individuals and tackle poverty.

Ms Burgham said: "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."

The anniversary celebration was an opportunity for the charity to reflect on its past achievements and look forward to continuing its support for the Watford community.

Citizens Advice Watford remains committed to its mission of providing free, confidential advice and support to those in need, as it has done for the past 85 years.