Blog

News and ideas about things that matter to our clients, volunteers and the community.

CAEE Chair of Trustees Yvette sets out ambitious plans for 2024-25

With the persistently high cost-of-living, 2024-25 will be another important year for CAEE. Our Trustees have approved an ambitious business plan with new ideas for expanding the service, engaging the community and giving clients more access to good advice. Yvette Ball is Chair of the Trustees Board at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. → Read more 14/02/24

My Volunteering Journey at Citizens Advice – so far! Yandi

My volunteering as an Outreach Adviser at Citizens Advice has been transformative. It has not only allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the community but enriched my personal and professional growth. Yandi is an Outreach Generalist Adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. → Read more 14/02/24

Client’s need is key focus of Citizens Advisers. New from Marian Anghileri

At Citizens Advice one of our main objectives is to focus on our client’s needs. Last autumn Rosebery Housing referred an older person to the CAEE Money Advice team. Marian Anghileri is a specialist money adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. → Read more 09/02/24

Volunteering variety at Citizens Advice – Jane’s starter for 10.

Volunteering variety is guaranteed at Citizens Advice. Every volunteer comes to us with different skills and we have an amazingly wide range of roles. Here is my starter for 10 plus double bonus! Jane Sheils is Volunteer Publicity Adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (5 minutes)→ Read more 07/10/24

Household budgets, cost of living, election: Data Insights Latest

New blog reporting and recommending the latest cost-of-living briefing with election guru Professor Sir John Curtice. Research & Campaigns Team, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. → Read more 23/01/24

This winter everyone should be able to stay warm and eat properly

This winter Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell is offering Energy Support Appointments to those in need. At CAEE we see only too well the challenges many people face with winter energy bills. Yandi is Outreach Generalist Adviser Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. → Read more 11/01/24

Hopes and fears: latest price changes may flatter to deceive

Hopes and fears have dominated Citizens Advice cost–of-living campaigns throughout 2023. They rise and fall with official statistics and our own national and local data. Research & Campaigns Team, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. → Read more 23/12/23

Experience of life with all its ups and downs and 35 years in management.

That’s my background and it’s proved a good preparation for my time as a Citizens Advice trustee. Shaun Jones is a long-serving trustee at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. → Read more 06/11/23

Saluting our sisters. Lisa honours her best friend.

“Thinking of this year’s Black History Month theme, Saluting our Sisters, my reflections were very personal.” Our fourth BHM blog is an uplifting story of lifelong friendship: two women who began as competitors found unshakeable strength in sisterhood. Lisa Davis is Chief Executive, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. → Read more 31/10/23

Learning to be tough and resilient – Samantha for Black History Month.

In a short heartfelt blog our colleague Samantha writes of her mother’s contribution to her learning to be tough and resilient. A comment from CAEE Chair follows. Samantha is Training and Development Manager at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. → Read more 27/10/23

Black History Month. Maxine is inspired by Surrey entrepreneur

“In reading about the Black History Month theme, I came across various articles about inspiring women. Thinking about ‘Saluting our Sisters’ I want to highlight the work of Lydia Amoah, an entrepreneur from Surrey.” → Read more 20/10/23

Black History Month. Yandi reflects on black culture’s history and connections

“Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the diverse and intricate history of black culture which has shaped our society as we see it today. But it’s also a time to celebrate the connections that unite us as a community. “ Yandi is Outreach Generalist Adviser Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell → Read more 18/10/23

The rising cost of high rents (it’s not all financial)

The rising cost of high rents is damaging household finances but also health, security, family life and the economy. With the cost-of-living crisis stretching pockets, high rents going even higher can be the final straw. 02/10/23
Anna Tickle → Read more

Why join our volunteer team? Jane’s new starter for 10!

Demand for independent advice is growing and we need to strengthen the CAEE volunteer team. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider joining us, in the community’s interest and your own.
Jane Sheils → Read more

Citizens Advice means community, service, support.

“When I think of Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell three words spring to mind: community, service and support. I’m proud to support them during my year of office.” 28/09/23
Councillor Rob Geleit, Mayor of Epsom & Ewell. Read more

Understanding young people and the ‘cozzie livs’

For over a year the ‘cost of living crisis’ has dominated in all media. It became so familiar that younger people gave it a nickname, the ‘cozzie livs’. 12/09/23
Chloe May and Anna Tickle. Read more

Watchdog’s new duty for banks: ensure good outcomes for customers

Good outcomes for customers – that is now the Financial Conduct Authority’s aim in regulating banks and other service providers. People should expect to be treated well. 21/08/23
Chloe May and Anna Tickle. Read more

Thinking about volunteering? 10 questions you might want to ask

At CAEE we depend on dedicated people who care about their community. Their time, skills and experience are our strength. I hope my answers to these questions are helpful and encourage you to apply. 18/08/23
Jane Sheils Read more

Rail leaders should think again about shutting station ticket offices

Plans to close most ticket offices: it’s not hard to see why opposition has grown. 24/07/23
Research & Campaigns Team. Read more

What we learned on our work experience week at CAEE

The week at Citizens Advice gave me valuable skills to use in the workplace. 20/07/23 (2 mins)

Making sure all have online access

“The digital age offers so much in education, communication, entertainment, healthcare and more. But not everyone is included and without help their quality of life can really suffer.” 19/07/23 (3 mins)

‘Home Advantage’ makes clear case for investment in energy efficiency

Why government must commit to improving the energy efficiency of the nation’s homes. 11/07/23 (4 mins)

Improving life for housing association tenants – with decent floors

“Everyone should start life in their new home with decent floors. National and local campaigns for sensible improvements to social housing.”
Research & Campaigns Team 16/05/23 (4 mins)

My first 100 days as Chair – quite a rollercoaster!

I’d done my homework for the interview to be Chair of Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell. Still, I surprised even myself at how little I knew and how much there was to learn. It’s been quite a rollercoaster! 3/05/23 (3 mins)

Cost of living campaigning at Westminster

National and Local Citizens Advice colleagues last week took their charities’ cost of living campaigning to parliament. Financial distress has grown across the country along with a frightening rise in prices. 28/03/23 (3 mins)

International Women’s Day 2023: a powerful global event.

“An occasion to highlight achievements and aims that matter to everyone. We’re pleased to support a global event whose ideals the women and men who run our charity are proud to share.”
Lisa Davis 10/03/23 → read more … (3 mins)

Looking back: client experiences in 2022 (2)

Nobel literature prizewinner Bob Dylan can certainly write a feeling. A few words in a famous ~~poem~~ pop song* catch perfectly the kind of stress in many client experiences: When the wind is blowing in your face and the whole world is on your case….
Research and Campaigns Team 27/02/23 → read more … (3 mins)

Looking back: client experiences in 2022 (1)

William Shakespeare wasn’t wrong: When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions. Looking back at client experiences in 2022 we can confirm sorrows often DO arrive in numbers.
Research and Campaigns Team 22.02.23 → read more … (3 mins)