New CAB post-box unveiled at Pensarn Church

A church and community centre in Pensarn has become the base on a new post-box project launched by Conwy Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

Canolfan Dewi Sant, home to St David’s Church, now has a shiny green post-box by the front door for people to post their questions, concerns and requests for help from the CAB.

The post-box, one of eight to be placed in similar locations across the County, has been bought with a legacy left by a former Trustee of the CAB in Conwy and a Conwy Town Councillor, the late Bill Chapman.

Unveiling the first post-box, the Chief Executive of Conwy CAB, Gwyneth Millington, said: “Canolfan Dewi Sant is just the right place to launch this project. The open-door ethos of the church and community centre which welcomes people from all backgrounds to all sorts of groups, activities and events throughout the week will mean that people can access the CAB much more easily.

“Although we run regularly face to face sessions at Canolfan Dewi Sant, people can’t always attend. The post-box will allow people to leave their questions in the box securely and confidentially knowing that they will be contacted with appropriate advice.”

Theresa Curran, the Administrator of Canolfan Dewi Sant said: “I’m so pleased that the church and community centre has been chosen as the first location of a CAB post-box. The centre is a lifeline to many local people offering support, company and a safe space. We’re in the process of re-opening all our activities in a Covid-safe way to ensure people receive the support they need.”

Alongside the post-box at Canolfan Dewi Sant will be a series of stamps, so people can mark the outside of their envelope to identify some of the issues commonly raised with the CAB, such as advice on housing, debt or benefits.

One of the stamps will specifically cover questions about slavery and workers’ rights.  Gwyneth added: “Conwy CAB is doing a lot to raise awareness of modern slavery. With so many hotels and hospitality venues in our county, we know some vulnerable groups are at risk of exploitation and we want to do all we can to tackle that.”

The post-box project was launched at a special multi-channel event dealing with modern slavery.  Local, national and international speakers spoke on the work being done to protect people from exploitation in north Wales.

The CAB’s lead on anti-slavery and founder of Haven of Light, a Community Interest Company tackling modern slavery, Alison Ussery, said: “I’m really pleased that the new post-box will include an opportunity to report concerns about slavery and exploitation. Often people see something which they know isn’t right but don’t know what to do about it. Sometimes what may seem insignificant information, can be the final piece of a jigsaw and result in lives being saved.

“I’d encourage anyone to make use of the post-box and report their concerns.”

CAB Conwy offers face to face meetings at Canolfan Dewi Sant every Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday afternoon. In addition, advice can be sought online via https://cabconwy.webs.com/

Canolfan Dewi Sant is part of the Aled Mission Area in the Diocese of St Asaph, one of the six dioceses in the Church in Wales.