A NEW service is being launched at Poole Central Library for people needing help in a crisis.

Citizens Advice advisors will be on hand every Friday morning to help residents find information and guidance on their rights and responsibilities.

Judy Herring, of Poole Citizens Advice, said: "Technology has changed the way that we work and the way that the public expect to be able to contact us.

"Many people use online services to get in touch. However, we recognise that not everyone can make use of these new tools and working in person with people in the libraries and using the equipment they have available in new ways will help us ensure we reach out to more people."

The service will differ from the traditional Citizens Advice work, as it will include carrying out activities with members of the public in the main open area of the library - where the public computers are situated.

However, if a private interview is required this can still be arranged at the Citizens Advice main Poole office, or at another library in the Poole area, explained a Borough of Poole spokesman.

Borough of Poole library service manager Sue Wills said: "Libraries have always provided information to people and in Poole we have developed innovative ways to make this as easy as possible.

"The public sees the Citizens Advice as the number one place to turn up for help in a crisis so it makes sense for use to work together.

"We are looking forward to see how this partnership develops."

Figures show Poole Citizens Advice dealt with 4,000 people in 2014, who generated 8,000 enquiries. During the year the bureau was able to help people gain more than £1.6 million in additional support, refunds or debts written off.

Contact the Dorset Adviceline telephone service on 03442 451291.