Citizens Advice Shropshire

Citizens Advice Shropshire (CAS) is a UK-based nonprofit organization and registered charity (charity number 1085220) that has been providing free, independent, confidential, and impartial advice to residents of Shropshire since 1939. It operates as part of the national Citizens Advice network, aiming to empower people by offering guidance on a wide range of issues and campaigning to improve policies affecting local communities.

History and Mission

Established in 1939, Citizens Advice Shropshire has a longstanding commitment to supporting individuals with advice and advocacy. The organization’s core mission is to deliver accessible advice services that help people resolve their problems and improve their lives. It is staffed by dedicated staff and volunteers who contribute to achieving the charity’s goals.

Services

Citizens Advice Shropshire offers a variety of services tailored to the needs of the community:

• General Advice and Support: Providing guidance on a broad spectrum of issues including benefits, housing, employment, and consumer rights.

• Shropshire Information Advice and Support Service (IASS): A specialist service acting as the first point of contact for parents and carers of children and young people up to 25 years old with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or related health and social care needs.

• Pension Wise: A free and impartial government guidance service that helps clients understand different options for accessing their pension savings.

• Debt Advice: Specialist services focused on managing finances and dealing with personal debt issues.

Operations and Accessibility

The organization operates primarily through telephone advice lines rather than face-to-face drop-in sessions at its offices, which are located in Oswestry and Shrewsbury. Telephone advice is available Monday to Friday, generally from 10 am to 4 pm, with earlier closing times on Fridays. Appointments can be arranged by phone to determine the most suitable form of support.

Citizens Advice Shropshire emphasizes accessibility, with its offices equipped to support individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair access and induction loops.

Partnerships

CAS collaborates with several statutory and voluntary sector agencies to extend its reach and effectiveness. Notable partnerships include working with A4U, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, and Taking Part to deliver advice, advocacy, and welfare benefits for adults. The Information Advice Support Service, supporting young people up to 25 years old, is funded by Shropshire Council.

Governance

The organization is governed by a board of trustees who oversee its strategy and operations. Details about current trustees are publicly available.

Impact

Citizens Advice Shropshire periodically publishes reports detailing its impact on the community. For the year 2022/23, the charity highlighted its continued role in providing essential advice services and advocacy efforts that contribute to improving policies and outcomes for Shropshire residents.

This article is based on publicly available information about Citizens Advice Shropshire as of 2025.

[1] https://www.cabshropshire.org.uk/about-us/ [2] https://www.cabshropshire.org.uk [3] https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/local-citizens-advice/0014K000009ESWtQAO/ [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3978907/contact-information [5] https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/local-citizens-advice/0014K000009ESWvQAO/