Work started in rooms lent by the YMCA at 2 Liverpool Terrace with a donated typewriter and a ‘borrowed’ secretary. After a few months the charity was registered and premises were found at 11 Liverpool Terrace at rent of £1 per week. It was calculated at the time that a regular income of £250 per year was required to run the offices without financial worry.
In the first year, 152 people sought help from the charity. The first services were free legal advice and a little money. As almoners for the Actors and Musicians Benevolent Funds, the charity distributed £200 and ended the year with a deficit of £31.11.6d.
New services were tailored to local people’s needs, and ranged from a rest cottage in Thakeham giving respite for those living in stressful conditions to dentistry and free boots for poor families.
With the outbreak of war in 1939, 12,000 children were evacuated to Worthing. The Worthing Council of Social Service was on hand to place them, using the resources of what was only the fourth Citizen’s Advice Bureau in the country. The CAB was founded in 1939 and was part of the charity until becoming independent in 1982.
A free school meals service was started, serving “good nourishing stew” from a canteen based at Worthing Boys club.
