COMEDIAN Alex Horne is backing a fundraising appeal by local charity Citizens Advice Bucks which launched last month (October 18).

More than a hundred people, encompassing past and future supporters, businesses, and distinguished locals, congregated at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre to kick-start the ‘Here for Bucks’ appeal.

This charity makes a priceless contribution to the lives of residents across Buckinghamshire.

Their mission is straightforward: to help people regardless of the nature of their problem.

Crucial advice is provided on a wide array of issues, including debt, housing, benefits, and employment.

Amid the most severe cost of living crisis in recent UK history, calls for Citizens Advice Bucks are surging.

To accommodate this growing need, the charity urgently requires additional volunteers.

The fundraising event is targeted at collecting £30,000, a sum that will enable recruitment and training of 10 more volunteers within the county.

Citizens Advice delivers its services primarily through volunteers.

Teams based in High Wycombe, Aylesbury Vale, and the Chilterns are crucial. Every year in the area, 90 expert volunteers provide essential free advice to over 12,500 locals facing difficulties such as homelessness, overwhelming debt, and discrimination.

The event premiered a compelling new impact video, introducing Sharon and Kelvin, two clients who have seen their lives dramatically altered by the charity.

A touching remark from Sharon is etched in viewers' hearts: ‘Bucks Citizens Advice saved her life.'

Comedian Alex Horne hosted the evening and urged attendees to donate what they could in terms of money and time, echoing the sentiments shared by Dr.I.Stephanie Boyce, Craig Glynn, Interim CEO for Citizen Advice Bucks, Jane Mordue, Chair for Citizens Advice Bucks, and Dan Wass, CEO of Buckinghamshire Building Society, the event's principal supporter.

Craig Glynn, Interim CEO for Citizens Advice Bucks, said: "We are a lifeline for the county’s most vulnerable, whether that’s preventing people from becoming homeless, providing emergency food vouchers, helping maximise incomes, or ensuring essential caregiver support for an older person.

"We are here to help them find a way forward. But we can only do that with volunteers, and we need more to support people in a time of such demand. Whilst volunteers give their time for free, recruiting and training volunteers' costs, which is why this is the concentration of our fundraiser.

"We are so grateful to those who are taking part, and for all the incredible generosity of all those who donate to help us help Bucks. "

The charity sends out a heartening plea – one that for many is a lifeline: "If you are able to support the work of Citizens Advice Bucks by volunteering or making a donation, please do."