WEST Somerset Advice Bureau, based in Minehead but serving the whole district, is looking for more volunteer advisers to boost its “life-blood”.

The charitable company also needs to strengthen its Board of Trustees to guide it through a period of major change as a result of reduced funding from local government.

“This is going to be crucial if we are to continue to make a difference to our community and helping the most vulnerable to help themselves,” said Dave Williams, chairman of the Trustee Board.

“We need people from different areas of expertise and experience to help us meet the challenges we face.”

The bureau has been giving advice now for 35 years and has an excellent record of achieving positive outcomes for its clients.

It employs eight part-time staff and relies, for its existence, on a dedicated team of trained volunteers.

Keith Routledge, who is one of volunteer advisers and a trustee, said: “Its volunteer advisers and its specialist staff are its life blood and we need more public-spirited individuals to come and join us and train as volunteer advisers right now. It really is a great team to be part of.”

The bureau provides free and independent advice to all residents of West Somerset. Its services are crucial in an area of rural and isolated communities with low wages, seasonal unemployment, people with mental health problems and one of the largest proportions of old people.

For further information or to apply to become a member of the trustee board or a trained adviser phone 01643 704624 or call in to the main office in Market Lane, Minehead.

Anyone who would like to help but does not have the time can become a Friend of WSAB for an annual donation of £10.