Citizens Advice Exeter Chair receives MBE

Citizens Advice Exeter’s long-serving Chair has received an MBE for services to charity in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Dennis Mardon, who lives in Crediton, has led the independent local advice charity since taking up the voluntary role 19 years ago, following a career in local government.

He said: “I am extremely pleased and honoured to be awarded an MBE. This honour is as much about Citizens Advice Exeter as it is about me.

"I am so proud of everyone involved with our charity – all the volunteers, staff and trustees – for the amazing work they do every day. I always think of them as a family, and without their support and dedication I certainly wouldn’t be receiving this award.

"Our charity’s services make such a difference to some of the most vulnerable people in our community, and are needed more than ever amid the cost-of-living crisis. Whilst we can measure the financial benefits of advice to our clients, the improvement in their mental and physical health is equally important.”

Dennis said one of the highlights of his time as chair of Citizens Advice Exeter was the charity winning a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2016.

He added: “The UK is a nation where so many individuals and companies volunteer or provide funding so that charities can provide essential services which are not provided by other agencies. I would like to think this honour is also recognition of the vital work done by all the local Citizens Advice charities, and our partners at Citizens Advice nationally.”

Over the past year Citizens Advice Exeter helped nearly 6,000 people through a mix of online services, self-help facilities, telephone and face-to-face appointments, giving advice on nearly 22,000 issues. Volunteers and staff helped access £4 million in financial gains for those who were seeking advice. This money has a huge impact on those people’s quality of life and is largely spent in the local economy.

In addition, Citizens Advice Exeter has saved government and public services some £1.9 million in the last year, and provided wider economic and social benefits (social value) of some £14.4 million per annum.