COUNCIL chiefs have thrown a lifeline to struggling families by bankrolling an expansion of advice centres across the borough. Brent Citizens Advice Bureau (BCAB) will be opening in five new Children s Centre after receiving additional funding from Brent

COUNCIL chiefs have thrown a lifeline to struggling families by bankrolling an expansion of advice centres across the borough.

Brent Citizens Advice Bureau (BCAB) will be opening in five new Children's Centre after receiving additional funding from Brent Council.

BCAB currently has advisors in children centre's in Harlesden, Wembley, Kilburn, Willesden and Kingsbury, who provide a vital service for residents.

Jacqueline Car, BCAB manager said: "At a time of recession and high unemployment, more Brent families than ever are struggling to make ends meet. Brent CAB provides an essential role in supporting these families.

"We are very grateful to Brent Council for awarding us the contract to help even more families."

Last year BCAB advisors operating at the centres raised more than �2 million for residents by recovering child benefit, housing benefit and debt relief for struggling families.

This money helped 6,393 children including 3,233 children under five. Brent Council is BCAB's second biggest funder this year.

To find out more details about the location of the children's centres and times when CAB advisors are there, pick up a leaflet from BCAB at 270-272 Willesden High Road, Willesden, or visit www.brentbrain.org.uk