THE SNJ has today joined forces with Stroud and District Citizens Advice Bureau to help this important charity bridge a £20,000 funding gap.

Stroud CAB held its AGM on Wednesday, where it was revealed that although the bureau has so far secured close to £7,000 a year in standing orders, £20,000 is still needed to ensure there are no cuts in the service next year.

There is no escaping that it has been a tough year for the branch, with a reduction in grant funding and a 20 per cent increase in the number of clients coming for help.

Stroud CAB receives grants from the district and town councils but has been faced with a large shortfall – and the imminent round of spending cuts means next year will be even tougher.

The SNJ and Stroud CAB hope that 400 generous readers will now come forward to donate £5 a month to our appeal.

Bureau manager Carla Evans said: "It is easy to forget how terrifying life can be when the props are removed, when you are fired from your job, your health fails, your partner leaves, or you can no longer afford to keep the roof over your head. "Nearly all of us hit trouble at some point in our lives whether our fault or not, and usually we have family or loved ones who can help us financially, practically and emotionally, regardless of how we come to crisis.

"But sometimes no amount of goodwill can get us to safety and we need expert help to navigate the system and understand our rights – sometimes people simply do not have support networks to carry them through." The SNJ is urging anyone who might one day need Stroud CAB's help, to donate to this worthwhile appeal.

To make a donation write to the Appeals Co-ordinator, Unit 8, First Floor, Brunel Mall, London Road, Stroud, GL5 2BP and ask for a standing order form, call 01453 762084 or go to www.strouddistrictcab.org.uk and click on donation or pick up a standing order form from CAB's office in Brunel Mall, Stroud.