When the Covid-19 lockdown came, our offices and outreach centres had to close. But we kept our advice services open by telephone and online and now we’re helping with more problems than ever.
The crisis has changed all our lives. For many, things have become more difficult. A free confidential advice service has never been more important.
Our most common problems
Benefits Applications for Universal Credit have more than doubled. Our special Help to Claim service is supporting many who didn’t think they would ever need the social security system.
Debt Some people weren’t eligible for government crisis help. Some may find it hard to make ends meet when government support ends.
Employment Lockdown has put many jobs at risk. We have never had more requests for help and information about redundancy and employment rights.
Housing The crisis has affected more tenants than owners outright or with a mortgage. We can help with issues in all property sectors.
Relationships Another consequence has been an increase in domestic abuse. Citizens Advice is a neutral place for a first call for help for victims or friends. Our advisers are in touch with specialist domestic abuse services.
How to get help
We’re ready to help existing and new clients. Here are 6 ways to get help
1) Call our Adviceline 03444 111 444. If you enter an 01737 number your call will be filtered to us as a local call and prioritised by our call-back team. Leave a message with the number you would like us to call you back on
2) Avoid a queue on Adviceline by calling our local message line 01737 931 060 (Horley or Merstham 01737 931 065). Leave a message with the number you would like us to call you back on.
3) Email via our website carbs.org.uk Use one of the issue forms.
4) Email or webchat via our national website citizensadvice.org.uk
5) Call our free Universal Credit Help to Claim line 0800 144 8444
6) Online. Check our continually updated online information.
A local charity We’re a member of national Citizens Advice but all our work and funding is local. Our 60 trained advisers are all local volunteers. They make the service possible by giving their time and energy to help their neighbours. If you or someone you know would like to train as a volunteer adviser, we would love to hear from you – contact info@carbs.org.uk