How Citizens Advice can help you

HI! I’m Jake Morrison, new Chief Executive at Citizens Advice Wokingham. This is my first column submission for The Wokingham Paper.

I am looking forward to sharing updates throughout the year.

We will hear from our dedicated, friendly and passionate team of staff, volunteers and trustees who make Citizens Advice Wokingham.

Citizens Advice celebrate its 80th anniversary this week and at Wokingham our charity started in 1977.

We would love to hear about how Citizens Advice have helped you – whether than be back in 1977 or just last week. We are proud of making a difference and it would be great to hear from you.

We would also love to hear from people who have supported our charity over the last 41 years, whether through volunteering or funding one of our projects. Please contact admin@ citizensadvicewokingham.org. uk or 0118 978 7258 with your story.

We provide people with free, confidential and independent advice and information to help people resolve their problems. We empower people, helping them to identify their rights and options so that they can make an informed decision about the way forward.

We do this at our Wokingham office Monday-Friday,

Woodley office on a Monday and Wednesday, and through our adviceline (telephone) Monday-Friday. Our open times are available on our website citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk

We are also a voice for people across Wokingham on issues that affect you. We use our experience of supporting local people to identify priorities for the year ahead.

Our volunteer Research and Campaigns team, headed up by Ros Croy, are starting the year with a campaign for Big Energy Saving week on Monday 21stFriday 25th January.

On Wednesday, January 23, you can find the team at Woodley

Town Centre, and on Thursday 24, at Wokingham Town Centre.

They will be there to support you with energy comparisons to help save money.

Finally for this column, as well as accessing us as a client if you need our help and support, there are other ways you can get involved. We are always looking for volunteers, and everyone has something to bring.

We value all skills, experience and knowledge and will help find a role for you – including supporting you back to work by helping you gain the experience you need for your CV. Please visit our website for more information.

You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice or visit www. citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk or contact Citizens Advice Wokingham at

Second Floor, Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Tel: 0300 330 1189. email: public@ citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk