Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth advisers are now available in community spaces to support residents with cost-of-living advice, as part of an extended service funded by Merton Council’s Cost-of-Living Support Fund.
The service is available to anyone living, studying or working in Merton and can support with a range of concerns about bills, budgeting and debt to energy costs and food support.
Providing this outreach service in central community locations makes it easier and more accessible for residents to pop-in to seek face-to-face support with the cost of living.
Two advisers are available at the following locations for either drop-in or pre-booked appointments from 10am:
- Colliers Wood Library on Mondays
- Wide Way Medical Centre on Tuesdays
- Wimbledon Library on Thursdays
- Pollards Hill Library on Fridays
Watch Suzanne Hudson, CEO, Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth talk about the service:
What to expect at appointments
Anyone seeking support from Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth will have an initial discussion with an adviser and be provided with information. For many people, a further appointment will be scheduled, where it’s important to bring along all paperwork and documents for a comprehensive assessment. Following this, ongoing support and advice is available including referrals to other support organisations and charities across Merton that can help.
Support for a range of issues
There are a range of issues that advisers can support with including:
- budgeting,
- unpaid bills and debt,
- credit and store cards,
- rising energy prices and topping up pre-payment meters,
- food support including foodbank referrals, and
- benefits and support to maximise other income.
Seek support sooner rather than later
Anyone worried about the cost of living should seek support sooner rather than later, when it is easier to provide advice and help resolve issues. Sharing worries with an organisation such as Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth at the outset can also help to reduce stress and other health and wellbeing risks.
Suzanne Hudson, Chief Executive Officer, Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth said:
“We are finding more individuals and families are in budget deficit, meaning their essential spending each month is greater than the total income coming into that household.
“The support Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth provides is very complex and comprehensive and through this service, our advisers are put directly into Merton communities to support people with the cost-of-living.”
Councillor Billy Christie, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Service said:
“During this cost-of-living emergency, we know more people are experiencing problems with personal finances and budgeting, and how important it can be to speak someone face-to-face.
“This expert service from our partners at Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth is being funded with £200,000 from our specially created £2 million Cost-of-Living Support Fund set up in response to the cost-of-living emergency.
“The fund is already making a difference through a wide range of measures to support residents, and we will continue doing everything we can help during this difficult time.”
For more information visit www.caml.org.uk or www.merton.gov.uk/CostOfLiving.