A NEW post-box at a church which allows people to post their questions, concerns and requests for help has been bought with a legacy left by a former Trustee of the Citizens Advice Bureau in Conwy.

The green post-box, Canolfan Dewi Sant, home to St David’s Church in Pensarn, is one of eight to be placed in similar locations across Conwy.

It was purchased with a legacy left by the late Bill Chapman, former Conwy Town Councillor and mayor.

Unveiling the first post-box, Gwyneth Millington, chief executive of Conwy CAB, said: “Canolfan Dewi Sant is just the right place to launch this project. The open-door ethos of the church and community centre which welcomes people from all backgrounds to all sorts of groups, activities and events throughout the week will mean that people can access the CAB much more easily.

“Although we run regularly face to face sessions at Canolfan Dewi Sant, people can’t always attend.

“The post-box will allow people to leave their questions in the box securely and confidentially knowing that they will be contacted with appropriate advice.”

Theresa Curran, administrator of Canolfan Dewi Sant, said: “I’m so pleased that the church and community centre has been chosen as the first location of a CAB post-box. The centre is a lifeline to many local people offering support, company and a safe space.

“We’re in the process of re-opening all our activities in a Covid-safe way to ensure people receive the support they need.”

Alongside the post-box at Canolfan Dewi Sant will be a series of stamps, so people can mark the outside of their envelope to identify some of the issues commonly raised with the CAB, such as advice on housing, debt or benefits.

One of the stamps will specifically cover questions about slavery and workers’ rights.

Gwyneth added: “Conwy CAB is doing a lot to raise awareness of modern slavery. With so many hotels and hospitality venues in our county, we know some vulnerable groups are at risk of exploitation and we want to do all we can to tackle that.”

The post-box project was launched at a special multi-channel event dealing with modern slavery. Local, national and international speakers spoke on the work being done to protect people from exploitation in North Wales.

Alison Ussery, the CAB’s lead on anti-slavery and founder of Haven of Light, a Community Interest Company tackling modern slavery, said: “I’m really pleased that the new post-box will include an opportunity to report concerns about slavery and exploitation. Often people see something which they know isn’t right but don’t know what to do about it. Sometimes what may seem insignificant information, can be the final piece of a jigsaw and result in lives being saved.

“I’d encourage anyone to make use of the post-box and report their concerns.”

CAB Conwy offers face to face meetings at Canolfan Dewi Sant every Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday afternoon.

In addition, advice can be sought online via www.cabconwy.webs.com

Canolfan Dewi Sant is part of the Aled Mission Area in the Diocese of St Asaph, one of the six dioceses in the Church in Wales.