Health policy expert Matthew Swindells is new Citizens Advice national Chair
We welcome Matthew Swindells as national Chair. Health policy really matters to so many clients in the current crisis.
News & Blog Posts
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)
Online access: vulnerable excluded at risk of second class citizenship
Digital exclusion is putting vulnerable and older people at risk of becoming second class citizens.
Every family is different but essentials inflation hits worst-off hardest
For many local people we helped in 2023 price inflation in essentials caused serious debt problems.
Great British Rail Sale (open to all we hope)
The Great Rail Sale. We hope offers are open to everyone, not just everyone who can order online.
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.
Housing costs to cause ‘pincer movement for foreseeable future’
The combination of ever-higher housing costs and dearer essentials will make 2024 difficult for many families.
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)
Citizens Advice Election Year Insights Briefing – Your invitation
Election Year Briefing 18 January. With the UK's most respected election analyst, Professor Sir John Curtice.
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)
Martin Lewis – Money Saving Expert and man of ideas
Martin Lewis was his plain-speaking self when he joined the latest CA cost-of-living briefing.
Banking hubs can solve problem of mass branch closures.
Banking hubs offer a practical solution to a growing problem in financial services.
Cost crisis 2023 meant a year of campaigning
High demand for advice and campaigns for mitigation of troubles facing so many.
Hey Elf, you’re a cute agent for a big social and economic issue
The Elf on the shelf has reminders about how to save energy and money all round the house.
Two Cheers, Chancellor. Now our clients need long-term solutions
Two of our three asks got positive answers in the Autumn Statement. Good, but there's more to do.
Are you struggling with energy bills?
Do you need advice on how to cut your bill? or get the right grants and benefits?
Are you worried about fuel costs this winter? Press release.
Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell can help
Black Friday 2023 – smaller but if anything more dangerous
Black Friday and Cyber Monday could prove even more dangerous for the unwary shopper.
Chancellor’s Autumn Statement must ‘pull all the levers to help’ families in crisis
The new Citizens Advice dataset reveals no let-up for growing numbers of clients.
Cash payments ROSE in September for the first time in a decade.
Cash makes it easier o keep track of spending - essential if you're living on a tight budget.
Chronic ill-health or disability are problems for many of our local clients
By Anna Tickle, Research & Campaigns Volunteer
Autumn Statement must index-link benefits and unfreeze housing benefit.
We're calling on government to uprate benefits in line with inflation and unfreeze Local Housing Allowance.
Energy prices are forcing people into debt with demand for advice at record levels.
In the year to March 2023 we saw fuel debt issues almost double on the previous year.
‘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)
Rents are unsustainable and driving an inexorable rise in homelessness
Rising rents and homelessness mean councils face budget-busting costs of statutory housing responsibilities.
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)
Missing digital skills? Local support IS available.
Not knowing how to use the internet or not having access are huge problems.
Black History Month. Maxine is inspired by a 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.”
Project Wenceslas: enabling local people to support those struggling to pay fuel bills this winter
With energy costs still rising for many here's a way to help those in need.
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)
Scrapping net zero targets could cost private renters billions
Abandoning changes to EPC standards will have most impact on those already struggling.
‘Drip pricing’ is a disgraceful way to raise consumers’ costs
You’re buying a flight or cinema ticket. Right before finalising payment there's a booking fee....Arrgh
To service provider management: “We’re helping stop digital exclusion, are you?”
No firm or provider suffers from a reputation for caring.
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.
Our new service will tackle financial worry and stress
Citizens Advice and Mary Frances Trust link to provide new financial and wellbeing service.
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)
Are financial worries affecting your wellbeing? Help for Epsom & Ewell residents.
Press Release. Citizens Advice and Mary Frances Trust offer new Financial and Wellbeing Support Service.
Our Annual Report. The case for becoming a new volunteer adviser.
Far from traditional boxes ticked the report is an inspiring prospectus.
Volunteer recruitment top of agenda at Citizens Advice AGM
Urgent call for new volunteers to extend face to face and outreach services.
Mayor endorses CAEE as the charity calls for volunteers to boost face to face service
Press Release. Urgent call for new volunteers to extend face to face and outreach services.
Fixing cost and debt worries needs more than ‘sticking-plaster solutions’
Ministers should consider more ways of regulating supply of essential home services.
Household Support Fund now helping most vulnerable
The aim is relief for families struggling to afford essentials - food, clothing, utilities, housing costs.
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.
Our new service will tackle financial worry and stress
Introducing the Financial and Wellbeing Support Service for Epsom & Ewell and surrounding areas.
Energy bills are still the biggest worry for families and individuals
It’s already clear some households will struggle with energy bills this winter.
Join Citizens Advice as a Surrey Adviceline Adviser
Could you play a vital role in helping people find a way forward?
Growing concern about fast track to cashless society
Summer media signposts progress for campaigns to stop digital exclusion.
Help with digital skills at Epsom Library – Wednesday 6 September
Do you, or someone you know, need help getting online?
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
5 things you can do to be smarter with money
Our national colleague Dominic has written a blog with 5 simple things to do (or do better!) We like it a lot.
Spreading the word about good finances
Exciting News. Town & Country Housing (Rosebery) is supporting the extension of our financial literacy project.
Private renting is becoming more difficult by the day
A call for policy change is growing louder as evidence of a worse crisis mounts.
Cost of living good news (if only)
Changes in inflation and interest rates affect everyone, but low- and middle-income people most.
How to find trustworthy debt advice: a summer campaign
How to check debt advice is trustworthy, reliable and right.
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. Research and Campaigns team.