Citizens Advice Surrey Heath

Citizens Advice Surrey Heath is an independent local charity based in Surrey Heath, United Kingdom, dedicated to providing free, confidential, and impartial advice on a wide range of issues including debt, housing, and benefits. The organisation is a licensed member of the National Association of Citizens Advice and holds the Advice Quality Standard accreditation, which emphasizes its commitment to delivering high-quality advice services[2].

Overview

Citizens Advice Surrey Heath aims to empower individuals by giving them the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate complex and often intimidating personal problems. The charity operates without bias and serves all members of the community, reflecting its mission to be for everyone regardless of their background or circumstances[2].

Services and Impact

The organisation provides advice through several channels including telephone, email, and face-to-face consultations. In the 2023/24 period, Citizens Advice Surrey Heath assisted 4,779 people and processed 2,806 applicants to the Household Support Fund. Their work extends beyond immediate advice by addressing underlying issues to prevent recurring problems, thus generating significant savings for government and public services. The charity’s efforts resulted in at least £776,000 in financial gains for clients and over £214,000 in debts either written off or rescheduled. Additionally, they helped with 378 disability forms and supported 43 Mandatory Reconsiderations and Appeals[2].

Wellbeing Advisers work to improve clients' physical and mental health by linking them with community support and activities. They supported 380 clients and made over 162 home visits to individuals who are housebound, ensuring these vulnerable clients maintain their independence. Furthermore, the charity actively engages in community outreach, attending 79 events to increase the accessibility of their advice services[2].

Governance and Registration

Citizens Advice Surrey Heath is registered as a charity in England and Wales with the Charity Commission under the number 1118181. It is governed in accordance with the regulations applicable to UK charities and operates independently of government influence while maintaining membership in the national Citizens Advice network[2][3][5].

This organisation plays a critical role in supporting the local community of Surrey Heath by providing accessible, impartial advice and advocating for systemic improvements based on evidence gathered through its extensive client interactions.

[1] https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/local-citizens-advice/0014K000009EMKZQA4/ [2] https://www.citizensadvicesurreyheath.org.uk/about-us/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4029440/contact-information [4] https://www.citizensadvicesurreyheath.org.uk [5] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/06058583