Citizens Advice Exeter has celebrated its 80th anniversary with a civic reception at the city’s Guildhall, bringing together civic leaders, charities, funders, staff and long-serving volunteers to mark eight decades of service to the people of Exeter.
Guests included the Lord Mayor of Exeter, the High Sheriff of Devon, Deputy Lieutenant Teresa Turner and the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison. Representatives of local partner organisations and fellow Citizens Advice charities from across Devon were also there to mark the occasion.
On 3 October 1946, Exeter City Council agreed an initial grant of £200 to help establish a Citizens Advice service in the city. Eighty years later, the organisation continues to provide free, independent and confidential advice to thousands of local people facing challenges including debt, housing problems, welfare benefits issues, employment concerns and the rising cost of living.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Gemma Rolstone, presented the charity with a commendation “for 80 years of outstanding service, providing invaluable advice, help and support to the people of Exeter, whatever challenges they may face”.
She said: “Generations of local residents have benefited from the support of Citizens Advice Exeter. Over those 80 years, the issues may have changed but the need has not. Whether helping people with housing concerns, employment problems, debt, benefits, consumer issues or family matters, Citizens Advice Exeter has provided a trusted source of guidance at some of the most challenging moments in people’s lives.”
The High Sheriff of Devon, Mark Ansell DL, said: “One of the honours of this role is to see the incredible volunteers around Devon who do amazing work, especially helping people less fortunate than themselves. That is exactly what you do here at Citizens Advice, so a massive thank you on behalf of all the people of Devon, because it really is so important.”
Teresa Turner DL paid tribute to the work of staff and volunteers in helping people navigate the complexities of everyday life, adding: “Technical advances have also brought challenges. That’s where Citizens Advice Exeter steps in. You have someone by your side, helping you through that process.”
Today, Citizens Advice Exeter supports around 5,000 people each year. In addition to its face-to-face and telephone services, it works alongside organisations including Exeter Foodbank, FORCE Cancer Charity, Hospiscare and local courts, helping people facing some of the most challenging circumstances in their lives.
Richard Willmott, chair of Citizens Advice Exeter, said: “It was a privilege to welcome so many friends, supporters and partners to the Guildhall to celebrate this important milestone.
“Our 80th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on everything that has been achieved since 1946, but above all it is a chance to thank the thousands of people who have made that achievement possible. Generations of volunteers, staff, trustees, funders and partner organisations have helped ensure local people always have somewhere to turn when they need independent advice and support.
“We are enormously proud of our history, but we are equally focused on the future and on making sure the people of Exeter can access free and impartial advice for many years to come.”
Sue Julyan, chief executive of Citizens Advice Exeter, paid tribute to the generations of trustees, staff, volunteers, funders and partners whose commitment has sustained the organisation since 1946.
“Reaching our 80th anniversary is a remarkable achievement and one that belongs to everyone who has supported Citizens Advice Exeter over the past eight decades,” she said.
“Every day we see the difference good advice can make to people’s lives. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, staff, trustees, funders and partners for everything they do, and to our clients for placing their trust in us. We look forward to continuing to help everyone in Exeter to solve the problems they face, so they can live happier and more productive lives.”
The event highlighted the strong partnerships that underpin the charity’s work, with representatives from organisations including Exeter Foodbank, YMCA Exeter, St Petrock’s, FORCE Cancer Charity, Hospiscare and Exeter Community Initiatives joining funders Devon County Council and Exeter City Council in celebrating the occasion.
The civic reception was generously sponsored by Tozers Solicitors and The Exeter.
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