Who Are Citizens Advice & What Do They Do?

Citizens Advice is a charity organization in the United Kingdom that provides free advice and support to people facing a variety of issues, from consumer and financial problems to legal and housing matters.

The organization has been operating in the UK for over 80 years and has become a vital resource for many individuals and families in need.

In this article, I’ll take a look at will who Citizens Advice are, what they do, and how they can help people in the UK.

Below is a handy table of contents. Clicking on any of the article headers below will jump you straight to the place on this page you are interested in.

Who Are Citizens Advice?

Citizens Advice was established in 1939 in response to the outbreak of World War II.

The organization’s mission was to provide information and advice to people facing difficulties due to the war.

Since then, Citizens Advice has expanded its services to help people with a wide range of issues, including debt, benefits, housing, employment, and consumer rights.

Today, Citizens Advice is a national charity with over 250 independent local branches throughout England and Wales.

Each branch is staffed by trained volunteers who provide free advice and support to anyone who needs it, regardless of their age, gender, race, or religion.

What Do Citizens Advice Do?

Citizens Advice provides a range of services to help people in the UK.

Some of the key services they offer include:

Advice And Support

Citizens Advice provides free, confidential advice and support on a wide range of issues, including debt, benefits, housing, employment, and consumer rights.

Their trained volunteers can help people understand their rights, identify their options, and make informed decisions about their situation – totally free of charge.

They are also completely impartial, meaning you’ll get the best advice for you and your situation.

Advocacy

Citizens Advice can also provide advocacy services to help people who need additional support to deal with their situation.

This might include helping people to communicate with their creditors, landlords, or employers, or representing people in court or at tribunals.

Campaigning

Citizens Advice also campaigns for policy changes that will benefit the people they support.

They use their insights and experience to identify areas where the law or policy could be improved to better protect people’s rights and interests.

Research And Policy

Citizens Advice conducts research into the issues facing people in the UK and develops policy recommendations based on their findings.

They use their research and policy work to inform their advice and advocacy services, as well as to influence decision-makers in government and other organisations.

How Can Citizens Advice Help People In The UK?

Citizens Advice can help people in the UK in many ways.

Some of the key ways they can help include:

Debt And Money Problems

Citizens Advice can help people who are struggling with debt and other money problems.

They can provide advice on managing debts, negotiating with creditors, and accessing benefits and other financial support. Once again, their impartiality means that you are getting the advice and information that is best suited to you and your situation, without them trying to steer you in a particular direction for profitability purposes.

They can also help people to avoid scams and fraud, and help you to understand your consumer rights when buying goods or services.

Housing Issues

Citizens Advice can provide advice and support on a wide range of housing issues, including rent arrears, eviction, homelessness, and disrepair.

They can help people understand their rights as tenants or homeowners, and can provide support in dealing with landlords, councils, or housing associations.

Employment Issues

Citizens Advice can provide advice and support on a range of employment issues, including redundancy, discrimination, and disputes with employers.

They can help people understand their employment rights, negotiate with their employer, and access support such as benefits or legal representation.

Benefits And Welfare

Citizens Advice can provide advice and support on a wide range of benefits and welfare issues, including Universal Credit, disability benefits, and tax credits.

They can help people understand their entitlements, complete application forms, and challenge decisions made by the Department for Work and Pensions or local authorities.

Citizens advice can also issue food bank credits and vouchers for those in need.

Legal Issues

Citizens Advice can provide advice and support on a range of legal issues, including family law, immigration, and criminal law.

They can provide guidance on the legal process, help people access legal aid, and refer people to specialist legal services if needed.

Consumer Issues

Citizens Advice can provide advice and support on consumer issues, including faulty goods, misleading advertising, and unfair contracts.

They can help people understand their consumer rights, negotiate with companies, and make complaints to relevant authorities.

Mental Health And Wellbeing

Citizens Advice recognizes that people’s mental health and wellbeing are often closely linked to their financial and social circumstances.

They can provide advice and support on mental health issues, signposting people to relevant services, and taking a holistic approach to supporting people’s overall wellbeing.

In addition to these key areas, Citizens Advice can also provide support and guidance on a wide range of other issues, including education, immigration, and community safety.

How To Access Citizens Advice Services

Citizens Advice services are available to anyone who needs them, and there are a number of ways to access their support.

Please do bear in mind that the demand for Citizens Advice is always extremely high, so do allow some time when phoning, online or visiting in person.

Some of the most common ways to get in touch with Citizens Advice include:

1 – Visiting A Local Branch

Citizens Advice has over 250 local branches throughout England and Wales, staffed by trained volunteers who can provide advice and support on a range of issues.

To find your nearest branch, visit the Citizens Advice website and enter your postcode.

2 – Using The Online Chat Service

Citizens Advice also offers an online chat service, where you can chat with a trained adviser in real-time. The chat service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

3 – Using The Online Advice Service

Citizens Advice also provides an extensive online advice service, with information and guidance on a wide range of issues.

You can access this service 24/7 and find helpful resources on many topics.

4 – Calling The National Helpline

If you prefer to speak to someone on the phone, Citizens Advice also operates a national helpline.

The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and the number is 0800 144 8848.

Summary

Citizens Advice is a vital resource for people in the UK facing a wide range of issues.

With over 80 years of experience and a network of local branches staffed by trained volunteers, Citizens Advice provides free, confidential advice and support to anyone who needs it.

From debt and housing problems to employment and consumer issues, Citizens Advice can help people understand their rights, identify their options, and make informed decisions about their situation.

By providing advocacy services, campaigning for policy changes, and conducting research and policy work, Citizens Advice also works to improve the broader systems that affect people’s lives.

If you are facing a difficult situation or just need some advice or support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Citizens Advice today.

Questions & Comments

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