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                 Introduction to Citizens Advice Havering

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We help people find a way forward

We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. At Citizens Advice Havering we believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice.

 

That’s why we’re here: to give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem.

 

We give advice to millions of people

 

We’re part of a network of independent charities that offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in-person, for free.

When we say we’re for everyone, we mean it. People rely on us because we’re independent and totally impartial.

 

For the year 2018/19, we had 2,522 new clients visit us for the first time, we dealt with a total of 9,196 issues of which 81% used our face-to-face service, 10% used email and 9% used the telephone service.  The top three issues we helped clients with were Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits, Debt and Housing.

 

We work in partnership with organisations who specialise in advice issues such as homelessness advice, pension guidance for people over 50 and tax advice for people over 60.

 

We speak up for our clients

No one else sees so many people with so many different kinds of problems, and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today.

With the right evidence, we can show big organisations – from companies right up to the government – how they can make things better for people.

 

We see how problems can be linked. By helping people with the underlying cause of their problems and making sure they don’t get worse, we save the government and public services hundreds of millions of pounds every year.

 

Our people

 

At Citizens Advice Havering we have a team of 20 experienced and knowledgeable paid staff and 50 volunteers, many of whom have worked with us for over 20 years.  All of our people are fully equipped to deal with any issue our clients present us with. All of our volunteers receive the training they need for the roles they perform.  All of us are passionate about making a difference in the lives of people living and working in Havering by providing vital advice and information services.

                                  

Governance

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Citizens Advice Havering is an autonomous registered charity whose business is managed by a Board of Trustees; it is also a registered company limited by guarantee and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.  The governing instrument is comprised of the Articles of Association of the company.

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Citizens Advice Havering is a member of the national Citizens Advice network which provides the extensive information system we use to advise clients and which sets standards for advice, training, equal opportunities and accessibility.

Each member of the network is regularly audited by Citizens Advice and must demonstrate that it continually meets the high standard of service required for membership. 

 

Our Aims

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• To provide the advice people need for the problems they face, and

• To improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives

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We are proud to be supported in our aims by the London Borough of Havering, the Department of Work & Pensions and by other local businesses and organisations which share our goals and our ethos.