ADVICE services in Darwen have joined forces to provide a one-stop shop for residents in the town.

Advice for All is a partnership between the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Age UK and Blackburn with Darwen Council and offers all sorts of advice for people in need of help and support.

And the service was launched at the town hall in Croft Street last week with Blackburn with Darwen mayor Alan Cottam officially cutting the ribbon. The service is already successfully run in Blackburn and now it will be open from 9.30am to 1pm in Darwen town centre.

Age UK Blackburn with Darwen chief executive Vicky Shepherd said: “Advice for All has been running for 15 months in Blackburn and is extremely busy and successful.

“Opening up the extended service in Darwen will ensure that the people of Darwen get the same excellent service without having to travel into Blackburn.”

Citizens’ Advice Bureau chief officer Liz Potts said: “The service is really valuable to both new and existing clients, enabling more people to access advice and information they need that could help change their lives.”

Coupled with existing support services, Darwen Town Hall will offer personal support to help people make the most of new opportunities like getting a job, volunteering and staying fit and healthy.

There will be careers advice for all ages, help with writing a CV, preparing for interview, volunteering opportunities, courses like maths and English, first aid and health and safety.

There will also be one-to-one support on housing, benefits advice, community safety advice, debt and money management and family support.

Personal health trainers will be on hand to give advice on keeping fit, including stopping smoking, weight management and healthy eating.

And people can get help putting on community events, such as clean-ups and community celebrations through the council’s Your Call initiaite, and the town hall will offer courses in the evening, including online shopping, social media and using the internet for hobbies and interests.

Coun Arshid Mahmood, lead member for neighbourhoods, housing and customer services, said: “Having such a wide range of services together within the heart of Darwen is a real boost for the town.

“Working with the Citizens Advice Bureau and Age UK, Darwen Town Hall will become not only a hub for advice and support but also a vital asset to the community.