For immediate release

Citizens Advice Charnwood announces future changes to its services

Citizens Advice Charnwood has been running an emergency phone advice line only since the Covid-19 lockdown. From 7 September it is hoped they will also be able to offer a limited number of face-to-face appointments in both their Loughborough and Shepshed offices. Appointments will be available on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday in Loughborough and Monday & Wednesday in Shepshed.

Unfortunately, they are not able to resume their drop-in service for the foreseeable future.

During this time, however, there are still a number of ways people can get advice:

• Through our Contact Centre, which people can reach by calling 03444 111 444. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
• By calling our local Emergency number 01509 649605
• Contacting the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 for Consumer issues (e.g. issues related to products or services you've purchased).
• Making a new claim for Universal Credit by calling the Universal Credit Help to Claim line on 0800 1448444.

Waiting times for these services may be slightly longer than usual as we adapt to our new patterns of working.

Ian Dennis, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Charnwood, said:

"Citizens Advice is here to give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward in these difficult times.

"Unfortunately, to support the government's guidelines, we had to take the decision to suspend face-to-face services. We are hoping that through a special appointment system we will be able to see people again from 7^th September in both our Loughborough and Shepshed offices.

We'll continue to offer advice over the telephone and full details about this can be found on our website: www.charnwoodcab.org.uk

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For more information contact:

Ian Dennis, Chief Officer – iandennis@charnwoodcab.co.uk