This autumn, local Citizens Advice across the country are celebrating their 80th birthday. Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead (CARBS) was there at the start in 1939.
Now we run drop-in advice sessions in Tadworth, Banstead, Merstham, Horley and Redhill. We also offer advice on the phone, through email and webchat, and online. Our purpose is to give free, independent advice to anyone who asks, whoever they are, whatever their problem.
How it works
On a first visit or contact, you discuss the problem with our adviser who makes an initial assessment. Then you decide together what to do, or the adviser makes an appointment for you to discuss things in more detail.
Our advisers research the different options and ways forward. They won’t tell you what to do but encourage you to make your own decisions. They advise on your individual situation and give you the facts you need.
Problems. Problems.
A bit like GPs in health services, our advisers are trained to help with virtually any problem. The most common are debt, benefits, housing, employment, family and relationships, tax, consumer issues, immigration and nationality. Advisers use all the latest information so you are armed with the best and most accurate advice.
A truly local charity
CARBS is a truly local charity. We’re a member of national Citizens Advice but all our funding is local. We’re grateful to Reigate & Banstead Borough Council for their support but must raise extra funds to continue our free service.
Our 60 skilled and trained advisers are all local volunteers. Their willingness to give time and energy to helping their neighbours makes the service possible. If you or someone you know would like to train as a volunteer adviser we would love to hear from you – contact in formation at www.carbs.org.uk
How to find us
Tadworth drop-in advice sessions are held at Merland Rise Church on the first and third Tuesdays of each month 0930-1230. No appointment is necessary. For opening times at our other centres and details of phone and online services, go to www.carbs.org.uk/get-advice/ News about all our local activity and social policy work is also accessible via Twitter @ReigateandBCAB.
This item appears in October KT Connection, the local KT20 magazine.