Robert Thompson’s former restaurant in Newport is the new home of Citizens Advice Isle of Wight (CAIW).
The charity has moved into the South Street building, with the Island chef also joining as a trustee.
Trained advisors will be based at the new location, offering support and services provided by the CAIW, with a new coffee shop among its facilities.
Yates: The charity is the people’s champion
CAIW Chief Executive, Eddy Yates, said the move marks the start of a new era for the charity. Eddy said,
“We are delighted to be moving into Robert’s former restaurant – it’s really central, close to shops and the bus station, and it gives us great scope to widen the support we can offer Island residents.
“Citizens Advice was brought to the Island by Mrs Gloria Minghella in 1964 and since then we have been at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts when it comes to helping resolve their issues.
“The charity is the people’s champion, here for you, whoever you are, and whatever your problem.
“We are determined to make people’s experience an even more valuable and helpful one and one of our principle aims with this development will be increasing the depth of our work within the community.”
Opening this week
The new premises will open to the public tomorrow (Wednesday), with the coffee shop partially open for a takeaway service. Other spaces inside the building will become available early in the new year, creating further opportunities.
With support from Robert, the existing kitchen space will be used to help reduce the impact of poverty and the cost of living crisis.
Thompson: I always like to give back where I can
Robert, who now runs Ryde’s RT Cafe & Grill, said,
“I am really pleased to team up with CAIW.
“I put my heart and soul into refurbishing this building and to see it now put to good use feels really satisfying.
“I always like to give back where I can, so I’ll be very pleased to offer advice and support in my capacity as trustee.”
Brandon: His input, knowledge, skills and dynamism will bring a new dimension to the services
The charity helped with over 17,000 issues in the past year, including welfare, housing, benefits, employment, immigration and debt.
Kate Brandon, CAIW Operations Manager, said,
“We are delighted to be working with Robert. His input, knowledge, skills and dynamism will bring a new dimension to the services we can offer.
“This will help complement our existing provisions, elevating our advice to provide assistance that Islanders have identified as much needed, due to the cost of living crisis and through the real issues we see day in, day out.”
News shared by Matt on behalf of CAIW. Ed
