Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell strengthens money and debt advice team

Marian Anghileri, Sandra Darey, David Sinclair. Sandra and David joined the team in August.

24 August 2022

Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) has secured two new team members for its specialist Money and Debt Advice team ahead of the difficult winter of rising costs of living. David Sinclair and Sandra Darey both joined team caseworker Marian Anghileri in August.

David started with CAEE as a volunteer adviser in 2021 and has recently joined the Money and Debt Advice team. He said: “We are currently dealing with one of the biggest challenges in society. Helping the local community deal with debt issues is ethically rewarding and intellectually satisfying.” David is a Fellow of the International Association of Privacy Professionals and recently completed the Solicitor Qualification examinations. He has over 15 years of direct client experience.

Sandra has a dual role at CAEE as she is also part of the CAEE mental health team working with clients with severe and enduring mental health problems for over six years. She brings a wealth of experience to the Money and Debt Advice team which she has recently joined. Sandra said: “There is a strong correlation between those struggling with mental health issues and not being able to manage their finances, leading to increased anxiety and thus deeper mental health problems. Helping clients to put this area of their lives in order is very rewarding and we know we can have a positive input on people’s lives and their ability to cope.”

David and Sandra join Marian who is a former lawyer and business owner and a member of the team since 2019.

Lisa Davis, CEO, CAEE, said: “Looking forward, I am confident we have a strong team in place to help our clients and the community at a time of great need. The team has a wide and deep knowledge of benefits and entitlements with excellent skills in communication and negotiation.”

Giving advice on debt prevention and debt solutions is a huge part of Citizens Advice daily work. CAEE set up the specialist money advice and debt project funded by partners Rosebery Housing Association and Epsom & Ewell Borough Council over 12 years ago after a rise in complex debt issues was noticed. Clients are referred to the team by CAEE advisers and project funders.

All CAEE caseworkers have completed Citizens Advice comprehensive debt training and some have special accredited training run by the Institute of Money Advisers and the Money & Pensions Service, all regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Media enquiries: please contact Louise Curd, Publicity and Fundraising Manager, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, email: publicity@caee.org.uk

We give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.

Notes to editors:

1. Photo of CAEE Specialist Money Advice & Debt Team – Marian Anghileri, Sandra Darey and David Sinclair.
2. Citizens Advice is made up of the national charity Citizens Advice; the network of independent local Citizens Advice charities across England and Wales; the Citizens Advice consumer service; and the Witness Service.
3. Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) is a small, local charity offering free advice and information for all who live, work and study in the borough of Epsom & Ewell. All advice is free, confidential, impartial and independent.
4. Each year CAEE helps around 3,000 clients with issues such as benefits, housing, debt, fuel poverty, family issues and much more. Our outcomes are extremely positive not only for the clients we serve, but also for the wider community.  During 2020/21 we secured income in excess of £1.2m for our clients.  Our added value to society totalled £1.06m in fiscal benefits by reducing health service demand and maintaining employment and housing.  The wider economic and social benefit of our work during 2020/21 totalled almost £8m.
5. As a small charity we are responsible for raising our funds. It costs, on average, £60 for each client that we help. To make a donation please visit caee.org.uk/donate/  Just £5 per month could enable us to help another client this year.
6. To get advice please telephone our adviceline 0808 278 7963 or visit our website where you can get advice by emails and also find details of our drop in service.