WINCHESTER’s volunteers were praised at the annual general meeting of the recently merged Citizens Advice Bureau.

The first AGM on Monday, July 22, of Winchester District CAB, which was formed following the merger of the Winchester, Bishops Waltham and Meon Valley CAB, discussed the “challenging times” that lay ahead.

Chair Susan Lambert, referred to two persons made redundant as a result of the merger but added, “We have been providing a service every day.”

Guest speaker Cllr Robert Humby, deputy leader and portfolio for economic development at Winchester City Council, paid homage to the CAB’s volunteers and said: “The voluntary sector has thrived in the Winchester area. We know that the voluntary sector reaches people others cannot.”

Cllr Humby confirmed that the city council would support volunteers and said: “We can help ensure that you have access to the help you need. I look to the future of the sector with confidence. I give you my word I will do all I can to help you.”

When asked about segregated departments within the council, with claims that different departments must be contacted for any progress, Mr Humby stated the council is moving to create one central point of contact.

Plans were also confirmed for a Winchester CAB website.

Referring to her origins within the bureau, chief executive Jenny Meadows told the meeting ended by more than 50 people, at the United Church in Jewry Street: “I started as a volunteer. I walked in and I ended up staying.”

Mrs Meadows continued the praise of the voluntary sector stating that Winchester District was one of the only CABs that helped develop volunteers to become advice supervisors, a role normally filled by paid employees. She said: “Volunteers are ambassadors for our services. We have give or take 100 volunteers which equates to £444,844 economic value.”

Mrs Meadows also discussed the ongoing projects, such as Hampshire Macmillan and VISA Village, and the forthcoming tumultuous times in relation to welfare reforms and said: “I don’t think we’ve seen the worst of it yet.”

A short closing speech was made by Winchester Mayor Ernie Jeffs: "I never cease to be amazed at the number of volunteers. I'd like to thank Jenny and the CAB for their services."