Citizens Advice adviser, Andy Clark, named as Money Adviser of the Year 2016 at ceremony in Manchester.
Andy Clark from Bristol Citizens Advice (second from left) has been named as Money Adviser of the Year at the Institute of Money Advisers (IMA) Awards 2016 last week. Andy, who has been working with Citizens Advice for 7 years, was commended for his significant contribution to helping social housing tenants struggling with multiple debts. Andy is described by colleagues as a ‘role model’; a ‘fountain of knowledge’ whose ‘unending optimism and positive attitude are an inspiration.’
“Andy has an outstanding track record,” explained Andy Steward, Advice Services Manager at Bristol Citizens Advice, “Many of the clients he works with are facing eviction and have chronic debts and substantial financial instability but Andy has still been able to help these families get back on their feet.”
Social housing providers Curo and Sovereign Housing help to fund Andy’s role: “I have worked in Social Housing for 21 years and I can honestly say Andy is one of the best Citizens Advice advisors I have ever worked with,” explained Curo Account Manager Jane O’Donnell. “Andy’s intervention has prevented many Curo tenants from being taken to court or from losing their homes. He’s able to put people at ease and get them to open up while delivering often hard news about financial priorities.”
Andy is extremely pleased with his award: “I can’t believe I actually won, it is an honour to receive an award for something you really enjoy doing and for helping people out.”
The IMA Awards ceremony took place on 23 May at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. It was attended by senior representatives from the money advice sector. Robert Wilson, Chief Executive of the Institute of Money Advisers said “We celebrated our 10th year as the IMA at this year’s conference and we were delighted to have received more nominations than ever before for our Money Advice Awards competition. The judging panel was impressed by the outstanding work of the winners, each of whom is delivering high quality services aimed at improving the lives of people living on low incomes or struggling to cope with unmanageable debt.”
Last year Bristol Citizens Advice handled over 10,000 debt enquires, an increase of nearly 40% from the previous year. The service have also negotiated on £14.8 million of previously unmanaged debt. The Bristol team of skilled debt advisers, supported by the Money Advice Service, helps people get their finances and lives back under control through a range of strategies including: negotiating with creditors, court advocacy and implementing insolvency options. Having the support of a qualified debt adviser can make a tremendous difference to an individual’s financial situation and their health and wellbeing. Good advice enables people to put money worries aside and get on with their lives.
If you think you might be in need of debt advice don’t hesitate to contact us.