BOSSES at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Galashiels are bidding to enrol buddies to accompany some of the region's most vulnerable for all-important disability assessments.

But to recruit and train the small group of volunteers they need votes.

Central Borders Citizens Advice Bureau is hoping to secure £8,300 from the Localities Bid Fund.

Local CAB manager Kathryn Peden told us: "If successful, these funds will enable us to co-ordinate a buddy service for people attending health assessments in order to prove their eligibility for disability benefits.

"We are regularly asked by our clients to accompany them to their health assessments.

"Many applicants get very stressed and anxious about attending and are not sure what to expect. They may not have someone they can ask to accompany them."

The stressful Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments have come under fire from disability rights campaigners.

And more than 60 per cent of appeals made in the Scottish Borders against refusals have been successful.

CAB staff in Galashiels want to train up volunteers to take some of the stress out the process.

They will meet with applicants to explain the assessment procedure; attend the assessment and take notes.

If the person is awarded the benefit the buddy’s role is completed and if not they then will support them on what other options and assistance is available.

Kathryn added: "People throughout the Eildon area come to us for help to appeal the decision not to award a disability benefit.

"The medical report they receive, often does not correspond with their recollection of the assessment.

"In a large number of cases we have found that clients who have not been awarded the disability benefit at the application and assessment stage are successful on appeal.

"This project is very specific and new to the Borders, and a similar model has assisted ill and disabled claimants in the Musselburgh area."

A total of 17 different groups are vying for a share Scottish Borders Council's Localities Bid Fund pot of £60,000 for the Eildon area.

A public vote is taking place throughout February to decide which community projects get funded.

A spokesman for Scottish Borders Council said: "Using your postcode you will be able to vote for your favourite ideas online, in person at a designated ballot box or by getting a ballot paper sent out and returning it to the council by freepost."

More details about all the projects are available from www.scotborders.gov.uk/LocalitiesBidFund

After the votes are counted the successful bids will be announced in March.