Citizens Advice are concerned that since lockdown we have seen a significant fall in the number of elderly and disabled clients contacting us for advice. This may be because these vulnerable groups don’t appreciate that we are open, particularly as the Civic Centre is not open to the public.
We have been open for telephone advice throughout the pandemic. We are fortunate in having all our staff and many of our volunteers working from home. We have a dedicated phone number – 01727 811118 – which is answered by one of receptionists during our normal hours, 10am to 4pm every day.
Clients get a call back the same or the following day for an assessment and we can book a one-hour appointment with an adviser usually within 7-10 days of the initial call.
We have some Government Covid Emergency funding to advise clients with Covid related problems including benefits, employment, housing and debt, and to find ways to make sure that vulnerable local residents know how to access our services.
