A "LIFELINE" welfare rights service is to continue operating in the Wee County for a another three years, thanks to a funding boost.

The Welfare Rights and Representation Service at Clackmannanshire Citizens Advice Bureau (Clacks CAB) has received the funding boost from the Henry Smith Charity.

It is the only service of its kind in the area and has been operating since April 2018 to support Wee County residents.

The key aim of the service is to assist people in overcoming the barriers they may experience in accessing benefits and to help people navigate their way through the welfare system.

Importantly, the service not only offers advice on entitlements, it also helps challenge benefit decisions and provides representation at appeal hearings.

Liam Young, welfare rights officer at Clacks CAB, said: "We're delighted to receive this continuation funding as we can see the local need is continuing to rise and this funding will allow us to continue providing this service.

"This service is a lifeline to many in our community who are at risk of not receiving their financial entitlements.

"The benefits system can be daunting, confusing and appear inaccessible for many people and our service is here to overcome this.

"Since the beginning of this project, we have an over 80 per cent success rate in overturning benefit decisions which has unlocked over £1.6million in client financial gains which has a significant positive impact for clients, not only with their financial situation but also on their mental wellbeing."

The funding boost will allow the service to operate for a further three years, with increased adviser hours in a bid to meet the significant demand in the Wee County.

The welfare rights service has proven successful over the years and more than 90 per cent of clients have reported, through feedback surveys, an improvement in their wellbeing.

Liam added: "I would like to extend our gratitude to the Henry Smith Charity for their continued support for this service.

"If anyone locally is struggling to claim a particular benefit or would like to challenge a decision, this service can provide advice and representation to do so.

"Our message is not to hesitate in giving us a call about this service or for other issues such as housing, employment rights, debt and much more.

"We're here for you and as always, our advice is free, impartial and confidential."

To contact Clacks CAB, call 01259 219 404 between 10am and 3pm on weekdays.