A NEW service launched yesterday will give people in the Blairgowrie area local access to the expertise of the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Rather than having to come to the main bureau in Perth, people can now seek advice at an outreach surgery.

Launched by Perth CAB in partnership with Davidson’s Chemist and Citizens Advice Scotland, the surgery will run every Wednesday from noon to 2 pm in Davidson’s Wellmeadow branch.

An advice worker, Dawna Ashby, has been recruited to provide this service.

The service is free, confidential and offers impartial advice and assistance on a full range of issues.

Dawna will be able to offer on-going support or refer clients to the main bureau for specialist services such as money advice, benefits or employment advice.

The service has been funded by Citizens Advice Scotland, in co-operation with the Scottish Pharmaceutical General Council.

Changes in the way community pharmacies are being funded mean they now have a stronger public health role.

For further information, or to ask for an appointment, tel 01738 564304.