A charity that’s often misunderstood. Many people make the mistake of thinking Citizens Advice is a public service paid for by the government. In fact we are a group of community charities that depend on grants – usually from local councils – to cover basic costs such as premises and the salaries of small staff teams. But the grants are discretionary, in other words more like donations […]
Latest from our friends at Healthwatch Surrey. Surrey Care Homes new report – My Way, Every Day Could you be a Patient Leader? How ARE you, Surrey? Healthwatch Quiz Mental Health is key focus during February – Find Our More January Newsletter
Some of what we did as well as helping people solve problems, whoever they are, whatever their need. Community Policy Social media January CARBS 2016 News Archive
Benefits dominate year to date. The withdrawal of a Surrey County Council support scheme is a key reason why benefit enquiries to Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead have risen significantly. Meanwhile latest information about the source of applications for Surrey’s Local Assistance Scheme showed R&B once again at the top.
Conservative Councillors hear of growing advice need. In the past year we have seen a marked increase in clients asking Citizens Advice for advice on welfare benefits and how to appeal against earlier decisions. This was up for discussion when our District Manager, Elaine Parr, attended the borough Conservative Committee chaired by Cllr Julian Ellacott on 9 January. Main cause of the rise is loss of Surrey County Council Getwise Funding. The scheme offered residents […]
You might also be interested in a 2-day course at Merstham run by mental health first aid for the Armed Forces Community. Read the flier.
Mental health first aid. Mhfa for the Armed Forces have organised a two-day course to help participants increase their understanding of mental health and military culture, and their personal resilience. Place: Merstham Community Facility Trust. Time: Thursday 23 February and Thursday 2 March. Email manager@mcft.org.uk or call 07522 922124 to book your place. Read the course flier.
Improving arrangements. Our client was in full-time but insecure work in the hospitality sector. Her partner was unemployed. In this period the couple built up a lot of debt including Council Tax arrears. Then things looked up. Her partner found a job. His income allowed the couple to begin a CT repayment programme. Their arrears began falling but not at the speed required in the programme. Failing to stick to […]
Confusing entry policy raises eyebrows and questions*. Heather and her husband wanted to round off a pleasant weekend in Sussex with an entertaining film. They chose The Secret Life of Pets they’d heard about from friends. Heather bought tickets online to be picked up later at the box-office of Cineworld in Eastbourne. It was then their day took an unexpected and […]
Healthwatch guide. The NHS has to change to keep up with demand. The latest reform will come from Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) for geographical ‘footprints’ defined by NHS England. These plans really matter. Reigate & Banstead is broadly covered by the Sussex and East Surrey footprint. The area’s main hospital is East Surrey. Find out more in this useful Healthwatch Surrey Guide. Healthwatch Surrey December News.