Since April, Citizens Advice Stockport has helped over 2500 Stockport residents with more than 9,000 issues, the charity has revealed.
With the closure of face-to-face services, the organisation has adapted quickly, increasing capacity on its phone line and web chat, while introducing video appointments and producing advice videos for social media.
Despite the additional demand on the service, and the influx of new, often complex queries related to coronavirus, Citizens Advice Stockport has also continued to receive over 90% positive feedback from clients in the borough. One recent client commented:
Phoning Citizens Advice was the best move I made. I was hesitant at first, I took a couple of weeks contemplating it but I made that call as a last resort and I am so, so glad I did. Thank you for all you have done to help me overcome these hurdles.”
With the upcoming return to lockdown in England from 5th November, the charity is keen to also stress that it will continue to be available to support Stockport residents, saying:
We’re here for everyone , and it’s crucial that our service continues to reach those who need us, including those who don’t have access to the internet, or don’t have the digital skills to get online and access support.
We’ve adapted our service to meet the diverse needs of our communities, and ensure that no one is left behind.
We encourage anyone who would benefit from free, confidential advice on benefits, work, debt and money, immigration, consumer rights, housing, family issues, law and courts or problems with healthcare to access our service.
If you need support, please reach out to us. The sooner you get advice the better.
We can help you find a way forward.
Self-help resources are available 24/7 online from the Citizens Advice website, where an online webchat service is live 9am to 5pm, Mon-Fri.
Stockport residents can also call to speak to an advisor on 0300 330 9073. Telephone lines are open from 8.30am to 5.30pm Mon-Fri, and also offer a callback service and can arrange a video appointment.
An Out of Hours Helpline also operates across Greater Manchester: call or text 0161 850 5053 between 6pm and 9pm, seven days a week.