Citizens Advice Bureau

Stratford upon Avon and District Citizens Advice Bureau helps people to resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing information and advice, and by influencing policymakers.  We are affiliated to the national organisation Citizens Advice whose aims are:

• To provide the advice people need for the problems they face
• To improve the policies and procedures that affect people’s lives. 

Our service is independent and provides free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and information to everyone in the community regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, religion or age.  In all aspects of its work, the service recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination.

 Shipston Citizens Advice Outreach Service

Stratford Citizens Advice Bureau has run an outreach service in Shipston for a number of years.  This allows Shipston residents who are unable to make it into Stratford upon Avon to get face to face advice in their local town. 

Since July 2012, the Citizens Advice Bureau outreach has been open every Monday morning in the old police station, New Clark House, on West Street.

For those unable to make it to New Clark House, a home visit service is also available.

Since July last year, the service has helped over 120 local residents by answering queries on a wide range of issues, from benefits to debt, housing to family relationships and consumer issues to employment queries.

Sue Green, bureau manager, is keen to encourage people to get help as soon as possible.  She said “Approximately 50% of the people nationally will contact Citizens Advice for help at some point in their lifetime.  The most important advice I can give is not to avoid the things that worry you.  Asking for help isn’t always easy, but when people share their difficulties with us, we are often above to make a real difference and improve the situation.”

The service is available to everyone and is entirely free, confidential and impartial.  If you would like some advice, contact the CAB team on 01789 200136 to book an appointment or a home visit.  For 24 hour tips and advice, log on to www.adviceguide.org.uk.

Case Study

Shipston resident Mavis visited the outreach service for help with her benefits.  She lives in rented accommodation with her son, Bob.

Mavis receives pension credit, but because Bob is self-employed they were receiving almost no help to pay for their rent.

The CAB adviser checked Mavis’ entitlement and established that she should be receiving about £60 per week towards her rent.  The adviser obtained all the necessary proofs of income for Mavis and Bob, and liaised with Stratford District Council (SDC).

Within a few days, SDC confirmed that Mavis was entitled to over £60 per week in housing benefit.

The adviser also discussed Mavis’ disabilities with her, and although she decided not to claim at the moment, she is aware that she might soon be eligible for Attendance Allowance.  She plans to return to the CAB for help with that in the future.