Brighton and Hove Citizens Advice Bureau

Brighton and Hove Citizens Advice Bureau is a UK-based nonprofit organization providing free, independent, and confidential advice to residents of Brighton and Hove. It is registered as a charity under number 1094620.

History

The organization traces its origins to the establishment of Brighton Citizens Advice Bureau in September 1939, shortly followed by separate bureaux in Portslade and Hove in October of the same year. These initial bureaux were part of a nationwide network of Citizens Advice services created at the outbreak of World War II to assist civilians with issues related to rationing, homelessness, evacuation, locating missing relatives, and debt management. Staffed entirely by volunteers from local communities, these bureaux served their areas for nearly 60 years before merging in 1997 to form the current Brighton and Hove Citizens Advice Bureau[1][2][5].

Mission and Services

Brighton and Hove Citizens Advice Bureau operates with two core aims: to provide people with the advice they need to address their problems, and to use the evidence gathered from clients to influence public policy improvements. The service covers a wide range of issues, including legal, financial, housing, employment, and welfare rights concerns. Its volunteer advisers are well-trained and familiar with local conditions, enabling them to offer tailored support to the community they serve[2][4].

Organization and Impact

The bureau continues to be rooted in volunteerism, drawing from the local population for its workforce. Volunteers receive ongoing training supported by the national Citizens Advice network, which provides up-to-date information and resources. This connection ensures that the bureau delivers advice to a high standard and participates actively in campaigns to reform public policy based on the problems faced by their clients[2].

Brighton and Hove Citizens Advice Bureau has a longstanding reputation for being a vital community resource during times of crisis and continues to adapt to meet contemporary challenges in the city.

Note: Charity registration number is 1094620.

[1] https://www.cabrightonhove.org/about-us/ [2] https://www.cabrightonhove.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Annual-Report-2018-19.pdf [3] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03794933/filing-history?page=5 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/constituency-search/-/charity-details/3994756 [5] https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/information/our-history/