The charity, which offers free, confidential and independent advice to local people on any problem, has been serving the area since 1975. Since its foundation, Easterhouse CAB has secured almost £39 million in client financial gain and has assisted the local community with almost 470,000 separate issues.

Volunteering is at the heart of Easterhouse CAB, which has recruited and trained over 1600 volunteer advice workers over the years – many of whom have gone on to take up paid employment.

The CAB is taking this opportunity to ask local people to volunteer to join its team to help serve the community and deal with an ever-increasing workload in this time of economic insecurity.

Easterhouse CAB manager, Joan McClure, said: “This is a really nice milestone for us, and I’m just so proud of all the staff and volunteers – past and present – who have done such a great job over all this time. Our CAB is truly a local service, run by local people, for local people. 

“A civic reception is a great honour and we’d like to thank the Council for recognizing our work in this way. Local people have been emailing us and popping into the offices, to congratulate us on our anniversary, many of whom we have helped more than once over the past 50 years. That’s been really lovely too. 

“We also want to say that we’re currently looking to recruit new volunteers to join our busy team of advisers. The workload is bigger than ever and our current team is stretched to capacity. We really need more people to help out as we embark on our next 50 years! 

“So if you have some spare time – even just a few hours a week - and a desire to help your community, please come and talk to us about volunteering as an adviser. It’s hugely rewarding work and has a great social aspect; it’s a great way to get to know people. We also provide excellent training and reimburse travel expenses.  

“The next 50 years of Easterhouse CAB starts now. You can be a part of it.”

Annemarie McCoid, the CAB’s longest serving adviser, added: “This place has changed so much since I started. In the past it was all paper-based, and we didn’t have the technology we have these days. And I have to say, the CAB has moved really well with that technology. Nowadays people can access our advice in person or by email or phone.  

“But there are two things that haven’t changed. The first is the need for our service. Every day when we come in there are people at the door, the phone is ringing and the emails are piling up. We see about 20 people on a drop-in day, and many of them are in really dire situations. 

“The second thing that hasn’t changed is the spirit of the team here. There is a great sense of dedication in the team. We really want to help people, whatever their problem is. For me, seeing someone come in with their head down and worry etched all over their face, and then seeing them leave with their head held high, a smile and relief on their face after we’ve begun helping them deal with their problems – that’s so rewarding.

“I would encourage anyone with a few hours to spare to come and join our team – you won’t regret it. I never have.”