New advice hub in Havant hopes to combat 'turmoil' of pandemic

Video report by ITV News Meridian's Carolyn Sim

The impact the pandemic has had on poorer communities has been described as "turmoil" by the head of the new Citizens Advice Bureau in Havant, Hampshire.

Thousands of people in the area are now trying to recover from months of financial struggles and job losses.

It is hoped that a new centre, opening in the town, will provide face to face help for as many people as possible.

Jon Stuart, Citizens Advice, Havant said: "Universal Credit cut back, the huge increase in energy bills at home and people struggling with employment where they've possibly lost jobs and are looking for new work, it's turmoil basically and unfortunately it is the poorer communities that get hit first and hardest."

Advisors say they can help with housing, benefits and even personal issues.

Councillor Beryl Francis, Havant Borough Council said: "My brother was brought up in Leigh Park and he was advised when he went for a job to write Havant on it instead, and that still exists in the minds of the people outside of the area but it is a wonderful area. 

"We're looking for better employment and training for everybody to cure these problems that we have."