The signs on the backs of some buses read: "If you can read this message, you're too close."

That's a good safety warning but, for some people, getting up close is the only way they can read messages.

At the Citizens Advice Bureau, we are keen for all our clients to be able to access the information they need, in the most convenient way for them.

We send out information in larger print and we offer Language Line for people whose first language is not English. We also have a portable minicom for people who

cannot hear well and we will arrange for signers, too. Service information is available in Braille, and on tapes.

We can make appointments but, for people who use our drop-in service, we cannot guarantee a short wait to see an adviser.

We have outreach sessions around the city for people who cannot easily travel into our Blossom Street bureau, and we offer telephone, letter, email and website advice too.

Phone 01904 623550 for an appointment.

It is not widely known the bureau is a charity, so we can only provide services if someone else pays for them.

This is the challenge we face all the time - raising money to pay for all the services we would like to offer, that we know the citizens of York deserve.

Come along to the bureau, or any of our outreaches, for advice, and tell us what you think of our accessibility. You can help us to improve, while helping yourself to some good advice.

Updated: 10:30 Thursday, February 16, 2006