SALLY Pickering is the new Chief Officer at Stroud & District Citizens Advice Bureau.

The Stroud & District CAB helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent, and confidential advice and by influencing policymakers.

In 2013/2014 the Stroud & District CAB helped over 4,000 households in the Stroud District with nearly 11,000 problems.

Ms Pickering said “I am committed to social justice and tackling inequality. Since volunteering within the CAB network back in the 1980s as a young graduate, I’ve always seen the CAB as providing an essential service to local communities, empowering people to take control of their lives by giving them the information they need to make decisions about whatever problems they face. So, after 25 years leading other local charities, I’m now coming right back to my roots”.

Ms Pickering added “I’ve already been struck by the passion and professionalism of the CAB teams in the Stroud and Cotswold districts, especially as the majority of them are giving their time voluntarily to provide this service. I’m really excited at the prospect of working with such a strong team of committed experts.”

The CAB is holding its AGM at Ebley Mill, Stroud on September 19 at 9:30.

The guest speaker is Gillian Guy, the Chief Executive of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureau.

Ms Guy is on this year’s Debrett 500, an annual list of Britain’s 500 most influential people, and is recognized as one of the most influential people in law.

The CAB now has a freephone telephone advice service and gives email advice.

If you would like to contact the CAB ring 0808 800 0510.

Emails can be submitted via www.stroudcab.org.uk