The CAB comes to The University of Buckingham

The Citizens’ Advice Bureau has come to the University thanks to a group of law students who are manning a weekly session on campus for Buckingham residents.

The eight undergraduates, including some international students, have been trained by Buckingham CAB and will be the first port of call for local members of the public seeking help.

Students have learned how to refer people to the right service and have the means to book appointments for them with the relevant people, including financial helpers or social services.

Professor Bob Watt, who heads the University side of the project, said: “We are proud to be working with the local CAB. Funding for community legal services has been cut to the bare minimum and we are delighted to be working with the CAB who maintain a vital service. Even in these days of austerity it’s a win-win situation – the citizens of Buckingham can get some first-line legal help and assistance and our students can practice some of the things they have learnt in the lecture room. We hope that this venture fosters a good relationship between town and gown.”

Buckingham CAB Director Ian Payne said: “It’s absolutely brilliant that the CAB and the University are working together. There’s a lot of talent in the law school. This will help the students to learn useful skills that will help them if they become lawyers.”

Law student Charles Hogan added: “The CAB program represents an opportunity to put skills acquired during my studies into practice, giving advice to real people, with real consequences. Having spent nearly two years in Buckingham I am relishing the opportunity of making a contribution to the local community.”

The service is available from 15:30 to 17:30 on Wednesdays in the Law School by appointment only. Please call: +44 (0)1280 828283 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 09:00 and 17:00.