The Citizens Advice office in Walton on Thames has stayed open throughout lock down, helping people with the issues caused by the Corona Virus pandemic.
Although no one can drop in to the office for advice due to the restrictions, twenty advisers are working from home and are taking hundreds of phone calls and emails, advising on all sorts of problems.
Many people have had their income reduced or stopped entirely. Top queries include how to claim benefits when someone has lost their job, or has to self isolate and can’t work; explaining the Government’s furlough scheme and who can access it; and how to get help from the local foodbanks.
Citizens Advice Elmbridge (West) Service Manager, Alison Mein explains:
“Although we can’t see people face to face, our fantastic volunteers are helping by phone and email, working from home. We’ve been very busy but we know so many people in Walton, Hersham and Weybridge need help at the moment. People can phone or email us and we hope to set up a web chat service soon for help with Universal Credit.
The telephone number for people to call is 0300 330 1179 and the email address is advice@caew.org.uk and the office is open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 3:30pm.”
There is also lots of useful information available on the national Citizens Advice website and the government website.
Please click here to download a copy of our latest press release – dated 30th April 2020