LEADING advice organisations came together to help their local community today (Wednesday December 4).

Working together with Darlington Partnership, the town’s Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and credit union joined Age UK, Morrisons Trust and the housing team from Darlington Borough Council to offer the public advice at a specially organised event.

Free and impartial advice on a wide range of issues was available from trained staff and volunteers taking part in the Advice Action Day, held at Darlington’s Dolphin Centre.

The event saw the organisations offer help on issues ranging from housing and budgeting to energy switching.

A spokeswoman from the CAB said: “Gone are the days when someone came to the bureau with one issue, now they have multiple issues that impact on each other.

“If someone’s income is reduced by redundancy, bereavement, a cut in benefits or loss of one partners income it has an impact on all areas of their life.

“They may present seeking advice on which benefit to claim, but it soon becomes apparent they will need financial capability advice, debt advice, housing advice, and employment advice.

“Once they receive the full holistic service they are able to manage going forward.”

Neeraj Sharma, chief executive of Darlington CAB, added: “We have had people of all ages here today looking for help with a number of issues.

“The feedback has been amazing with people saying it’s been great to access these services all at once.

“It’s been a real community effort, with staff and volunteers working hard.”

Plans are now being made to host a similar event in early 2014.