CAEE Blog
News and ideas about things that matter to our clients, volunteers and the community. Volunteers, trustees, staff and guests have their say.
Marian talks to BBC Surrey about the rising debt crisis
Our specialist Money Advice Caseworker, Marian, gave her thoughts on the rising debt crisis on James Cannon’s BBC Surrey Radio Show recently.
With her experience of supporting people with debts, and citing the recent reports from Christians Against Poverty and Citizens Advice , she warned that we are seeing dangerous debt levels arriving – up 41% since 2021. The indications are also that this is increasingly as a result of essential household costs becoming unaffordable and she highlighted the importance of seeking early help if you are concerned.
Thanks to funding from supporting organisations and public donations we offer drop-in sessions Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, regular outreach clinics and we operate a free advice line.
As Marian said, “We would welcome you coming – we are non-judgemental, we are free, help is always at hand”.
Marian’s segment on the BBC (from 3hrs 15mins)
Volunteering in a rewarding environment: Pippa’s Story
It’s Volunteers’ Week 2026, time to thank our dedicated team of 60+ volunteers for all their support. In this series, we highlight a few of our volunteers….
Thank you for 11 years of service Malcolm!
It’s Volunteers’ Week 2026, time to thank our dedicated team of 60+ volunteers for all their support. In this series, we highlight a few of our volunteers….
Bringing a new perspective: Nikki’s story
It’s Volunteers’ Week 2026, time to thank our dedicated team of 60+ volunteers for all their support. In this series, we highlight a few of our volunteers….
Learning to ask difficult questions: Susannah’s story
It’s Volunteers’ Week 2026, time to thank our dedicated team of 60+ volunteers for all their support. In this series, we highlight a few of our volunteers….
Using my acquired lifetime skills: Andrew’s story
It’s Volunteer’s Week 2026, time to thank our dedicated team of 60+ volunteers for all their support. In this series, we highlight a few of our volunteers….
Part of my wellbeing: Elizabeth’s story
It’s Volunteers’ Week 2026, time to thank our dedicated team of 60+ volunteers for all their support. In this series, we highlight a few of our volunteers….
It’s Volunteers’ Week 2026, time to thank our dedicated team of 60+ volunteers for all their support.
Here we highlight a few of our volunteers to learn what makes them give up their free time for our community.
Why HR Must Be at the Heart of Organisational Change. CAEE Blog.
Citizens Advice is facing significant change following the announcement that Surrey County Council areas will be restructured, moving from multiple borough and district councils to two large unitary authorities.
Our team is now supporting Clive after missed opportunities left him with a range of serious problems. CAEE Blog.
Clive* first came to us as a client in July 2024. His story is one of missed opportunities to receive the support he needed when he really needed it.
Vicki Webb is a Volunteer Adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell.
Kindness and empathy: how we’re helping clients in the most difficult times. CAEE Blog.
When our lead publicity adviser Jane took part in a recent advice session she was deeply impressed by the skills of an adviser colleague helping clients through difficult times: kindness and empathy, assembling the key information and problem-solving.
Jane Sheils is Volunteer Publicity Adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
HMP High Down: creating hope, opportunity and profile. Guest Blog.
HMP High Down organises many positive initiatives we seldom hear about in the news. The prison partners with business and third sector groups including Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell on support activities of all kinds.
Richard Jackman is Business and Community Manager at HMP High Down near Banstead.
Neurodivergent people need debt support that meets their individual situation
Marian Anghileri has been reading a new report from our friends at StepChange debt charity. Their research reminds us that empathy and support tailored to the individual’s situation and capability are critical in helping neurodivergent people.
Marian is a specialist debt and money adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (3 minutes)
Autumn Budget: welcome changes to child benefit and energy bills
Now at last we know. For months we have been wondering what would or wouldn’t find its way into the chancellor’s Autumn Budget. Lisa Davis shares first thoughts on implications of the government’s latest finance statement for local CAEE clients.
Lisa is Chief Executive at Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell (3 minutes)
Local government reform a ‘useful incentive to review our work’
So, we finally have the government’s decision about new Unitary Authorities (UAs) for Surrey. Yvette Ball on changes with important implications for CAEE stakeholders and communities across the county.
Yvette is Chair of the Trustees Board at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (2 minutes)
Marie moved from school head to be a Citizens Advice outreach adviser
From school head to outreach post – my first few weeks.
Marie provides a CAEE outreach service at the Advice Café at St Barnabas Church in Epsom every Friday morning and all day on the second Friday every month. (3 min)
How the humanity of a Citizens Advice colleague ‘deeply impressed’ one of our trustees
Simon Culhane was ‘deeply impressed’ on hearing CAEE Assessor win the trust and confidence of a particularly vulnerable client. Helping such unhappy people is the true value of Citizens Advice in our community.
Simon Culhane is a trustee at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (2 minutes)
Trustees are busy steering Citizens Advice on road to a new future
Research and campaigns: the housing crisis doesn’t take a holiday
As the summer holidays continue, our focus on key issues affecting our community has not taken a break. The right to a safe, secure and affordable home remains our top priority. (3 minutes)
Victoria Wan is a Research & Campaigns Volunteer at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
Access to justice: People in legal difficulty are not getting the help they need.
In a new blog our Chief Executive reports a call by the Legal Services Consumer Panel for better access to justice.
In a confusing world our research and campaigns help build trust
In a confusing world it’s no surprise if problems trip up families and spoil lives.
By CAEE Research and Campaigns Team. (3 minutes)
Navigating Energy Challenges – our new client and stakeholder information project
Navigating Energy Challenges, launched today, will address the topics that press most heavily on clients. To improve understanding of a core living standards issue our new public information series aims to inform both clients and decision-makers.
By Victoria Wan, Research & Campaigns volunteer at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (3 minutes)
Student volunteers at Citizens Advice win 3 times with new skills, a stronger CV and great work experience.
For Student Volunteering Week we asked two student volunteers why they chose Citizens Advice.
Helen Maguire MP on working with Citizens Advice to help our communities thrive
Along with CA Mole Valley colleagues, we were pleased to meet Helen Maguire MP, our new representative at Westminster. It was a great opportunity to talk about how we can work together for the benefit of local people.
Lisa Davis is CEO at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (2 minutes)
It’s Trustees’ Week, but what do trustees actually do?
Most people get what CAEE volunteer advisers do but what about our volunteer trustees?
Supporting vulnerable residents – Household Support Fund in Epsom and Ewell
Colleagues Anna and Victoria update stakeholders on value of the local Household Support Fund.
Autumn fruitfulness for policy research but will clients be smiling?
Autumn: fruitfulness for policy research. Not so mellow for clients. A campaigns update.
The true spirit of the community and why we campaign for change.
At CAEE we try to represent the spirit of the community in our advice *and* our campaigns for necessary change.
Young people and renting in 2024. CAEE Blog
It’s no secret that there’s a continuing housing crisis in the UK. And anyone who hasn’t noticed a shortage of decent accommodation affecting young people hasn’t been paying attention.
Ollie Smith is a communications and research volunteer at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (4 minutes)
Household Support Fund – what you need to know. CAEE Blog.
Since June our Household Support Fund has helped 90 local families. FAQs.
School uniforms – important and expensive. CAEE Blog.
School uniforms. In her new blog Anna Tickle writes about an important cost approaching with the new school year.
Guest Blog. Rob Geleit celebrates a successful charity partnership
Rob Geleit reflects on charity work he and his colleagues undertook during his year as Mayor. Guest Blog. Councillor Rob Geleit represents Court Ward on Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and was Mayor in 2023-24. (3-minute read)
Blank Space makes living standards election more Eras Tour election 🎵
This election should be about Living Standards but Swifties may see Eras! 🎵
Volunteers’ Week 2024. Help celebrate our amazing team!
Jane Sheils introduces Volunteers' Week, 3-9 June, and meets new and long-serving members of Team CAEE.
Brand new film: ‘We are the people’s champion’
An inspiring 60-second film leads a new strategy across Citizens Advice.
Young adults: new responsibilities, new problems
Young adults: Anna asks how Citizens Advice can help with problems facing so many in the transition from education to work and life
Anna Tickle is a Research and Campaigns volunteer at Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell. (3 minutes)
Common mental health issues in the young are rising. Citizens Advice can do more.
Common mental health disorders are rising fast among young people. Why is this? Tish asks if a dedicated Citizens Advice service could help solve the problem.
Tish Ahabwe Mukankusi is a Trainee Assessor at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (3 minutes)
Civil society, data insights, exciting plan: Annual Conference online.
Civil society is the institutions, people and beliefs that aren’t public or private, government or business. A positive report by our research team in a second Conference 2024 blog.
By Research and Campaigns Team, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (4 minutes)
At Conference Vicki learned about advice innovations and met a shark!
At Conference for the first time, Vicki hoped to learn more about how Citizens Advice works. She wasn’t disappointed. A full day covered tech possibilities, colleague and client wellbeing and Citizens Advice values.
Vicki Phelan is a Financial and Wellbeing Support Service Caseworker at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (4 minutes)
Mental health, young people and Citizens Advice
Mental health conditions have been rising among the young. There are ways we can help.
Less risk, More Reward – helping UCA students with financial wellbeing
Less Risk, More Reward was this year’s theme for National Student Money Week. We attended an event at University for the Creative Arts Epsom to help students think about their financial wellbeing.
Vicki Phelan is a Financial and Wellbeing Support Service Caseworker. (3 mins)
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. (2 minutes)
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. (2 minutes)
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. (2 minutes)
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)
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.
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 (2-minute read)
Hopes and fears: latest price changes may flatter to deceive
Hopes and fears have dominated Citizens Advice cost–of-living campaigns othroughout 2023. They rise and fall with official statistics and our own national and local data.
Research & Campaigns Team, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (2-minute read)
‘Experience of life and its ups and downs made me want to help.’ Shaun
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. (3 minutes)
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. (3 mins)
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. (3-minute read)
Black History Month. Maxine is inspired by a Surrey entrepreneur
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 (in training) Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (3-minute read)
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. ”
Anna Tickle is a Research & Campaigns Volunteer at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (4 minute read)
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 is Volunteer Publicity Adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
Citizens Advice means community, service, support. Now they need volunteers.
“When I think of Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell three words spring to mind to illustrate the value of this wonderful organisation: community, service and support. I’m proud to support them during my year of office.” Guest Blog
Councillor Rob Geleit is Mayor of Epsom & Ewell (3 minute read)
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’. (4-minute read)
Chloe May and Anna Tickle are Research and Campaigns Volunteers at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
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.
Chloe May (pictured) and Anna Tickle are Research and Campaigns Volunteers at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
Thinking about volunteering? 10 questions you might want to ask
At CAEE we depend on dedicated local 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.
Jane Sheils is Volunteer Publicity Adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell