Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck Ltd

Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck Ltd (Charity number 1068414) is an independent charitable organization that provides free, confidential, and impartial advice and support to residents within the East Dorset and Purbeck areas of Dorset, England. Established originally as Purbeck Citizens Advice Bureau in February 1998, the organization operates as a private company limited by guarantee without share capital and is a member of the wider Citizens Advice network across England and Wales.

History and Structure

The organization was incorporated on 13 February 1998 under the name Purbeck Citizens Advice Bureau. It later rebranded to Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck Ltd to better reflect its wider service area. The organization is registered as a charity (number 1068414) and also as a company (company number 03510199), with its registered office located in Wareham, Dorset.

Services

Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck offers free and impartial advice on a wide range of issues including debt management, welfare benefits, housing, homelessness prevention, energy affordability, and budgeting. The organization also provides specialist advice in areas such as Universal Credit income maximization and cost-saving guidance related to utilities like Wessex Water.

Support is delivered through a combination of face-to-face appointments, drop-in centers, outreach services, and telephone advice via the Dorset Adviceline. The organization maintains offices in Wareham and Wimborne and provides outreach across multiple locations including Bovington Hive, Lytchett Matravers, Lytchett Minster & Upton, Swanage Library, and Upton Library.

Community Involvement and Partnerships

Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck actively collaborates with local partners such as the Dorset Community Foundation, particularly in initiatives like the Surviving Winter Appeal, which aims to assist vulnerable and elderly residents at risk of fuel poverty. The organization participates in awareness campaigns and community events to promote access to advice and support services.

Accessibility

The charity ensures accessibility for all clients, including facilities such as wheelchair access, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and induction loop systems to assist those with hearing impairments.

Governance and Funding

As an independent charity and registered company, Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck Ltd is governed by a board of trustees. Its funding comes from a mix of local government, grants, fundraising activities, and public donations. The organization adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the national Citizens Advice service.

This organization plays a crucial role in supporting the social welfare of residents in East Dorset and Purbeck by empowering them through accessible advice and practical solutions to everyday problems.

[1] https://edpcitizensadvice.org.uk [2] https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/local-citizens-advice/0014K000009ESXDQA4/ [3] https://edpcitizensadvice.org.uk/get-advice/by-phone [4] https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/local-citizens-advice/0014K000009EMLJQA4/ [5] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03510199