A NEW duo has taken over the manager’s role left by Yvonne Cassidy, who recently said a fond farewell to Musselburgh Citizens Advice Bureau after 10 years’ service.

Sarah Matthews and Louise Marongui, the High Street bureau’s new joint part-time chief officers, said they were “excited” about their new challenge in these “very changing times”.

Sarah is originally from Salford, Greater Manchester, where she studied for her social policy degree. She worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland and social justice charity Nacro, and volunteered with the Youth Offending Service. She supported young people who had just left custody to develop the life skills needed to settle back in the community. She moved to Edinburgh in 2011 and said she has “never looked back.”

She has worked at Musselburgh CAB in a number of roles for nine years, including financial capability officer for young people, money talk officer and deputy manager, building up her knowledge and passion for the organisation.

Sarah said: “The staff and volunteers at Musselburgh CAB have truly help me settle in Scotland and I hope to continue this inclusive culture. I’m now excited to take on the position of joint chief officer and look forward to developing the service. Like many other organisations, we understand there are challenging times ahead and we are addressing the way we deliver our service to support our most vulnerable clients.”

Louise, from Haddington, has worked in both local authorities and third sector organisations.

She recently created the East Lothian Financial Inclusion Network, which allowed her to get to know the local organisations working to support the most vulnerable.

She said: “I am very excited to be working for such a renowned and valuable institution as CAB. Coming into a new role during a pandemic has been quite challenging. I am enjoying getting to know the staff and volunteers but this is happening online as it’s just not possible to meet face to face in the current situation. Covid has meant a lot of uncertainty for local people in terms of employment and related benefits. We are working with all the changes to ensure people receive the highest quality and most up-to-date advice available.”