Blackfriars Advice Centre opens at Elephant & Castle

"We know the need is massive," said chief executive Helen Rice who has just completed a year in her post during which she located the new premises and orgainsed the move from Walworth Road.

"I am honoured to work in the community where I live," she told guests and said that the cakes at the tea reception had been home made locally.

"Last year we saw about 5,000 clients and this year we expect 7,000," said Helen who described Blackfriars Advice Centre as a debt specialist agency as well as a place to find advice on housing, welfare benefits and work.

Trustees chair Ros Lucas, who welcomed guests, announced the launch of a new website www.blackfriars-advice.com

Blackfriars, on the first floor of the shopping centre, is a general advice agency offering free advice on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.