A NEW health advice centre has raised more than £50,000 for clients.

And the amount was achieved in just six months following the launch of the Health Centre Advice Service.

The initiative is part of Bury District Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and one that is already proving its worth in terms of the money raised so far.

A substantial amount of the money was raised through the uptake of previously unclaimed benefits, according to the advice service.

The new organisation states: "Typically, clients are already in receipt of some benefits but are unaware that they have a further entitlement."

Good news is that several local people who used the service have benefited significantly from it. For example, one client's weekly income was almost quadrupled when advisers from the Bury Citizens Advice Bureau helped him to put in a claim for benefits.

And another client, who had been dismissed from work, was re-instated. The move came after the CAB intervened and pointed out to his employers that the dismissal was unfair.

Fay Melbourne, the service manager, said: "There is a proven link between poverty and poor health.

"Loss of employment, debt and poor housing can all contribute to ill health and a visit to the doctor."

She added: "This service is proving extremely successful as it provides GPs with direct access to advice for their patients."

The service is funded by the Health Action Zone and was set up to give patients of local doctors in the Bury area better access to the CAB service.

People who need advice on a range of subjects can approach their own general practitioner or health centre receptionist initially.

Once this is done, arrangements will be made for an appointment to allow them to see a CAB adviser within Bury town centre.

People who are registered with a GP in the Bury area and require advice should contact any member of the health care team at their practice.