Citizens Advice St Albans & District
Community Development
We want to offer residents of Redbourn a weekly drop-in service – we currently have to turn one-in-four people away due to high demand.
About this cause
We are a local charity, offering residents free, confidential and impartial advice. We help over 500 local people per month and demand is rising. We have drop-in centres in St Albans, Redbourn, London Colney and Wheathampstead. We offer advice online via citizensadvice.org.uk; over the telephone; via web-chat or face-to-face. Our advice is free and is offered by a team of volunteers who are trained to advise on virtually any issue such as welfare, debt, employment, consumer rights, housing, healthcare and family issues. Our aim is to arm clients with all the facts and possible outcomes, so that they can make informed choices. We also offer help with access to the internet, filling in forms, writing letters or negotiating with third parties.
How this cause brings people in the community together
Our research shows 20% of our clients are unable to self-help. Offering a dedicated service to Redbourn, means our service can be accessed by disadvantaged residents. Helping to resolve issues that affect local residents, increases their confidence and self-esteem and enables them to be part of the community. Our volunteers are local people and helping local residents promotes understanding.