PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

Citizens Advice Charnwood has helped 220 people since the Coronavirus lockdown began.

It quickly mobilised its staff and volunteers to give one-to-one advice over the phone after the lockdown began on 23 March. The number to ring is - 01509 649605 and information about the current situation can be found at - www.charnwoodcab.org.uk

The top four issues the charity has helped with are Benefits and Tax Credits (including Universal Credit), Debt, Employment and Housing.

Citizens Advice reports there has also been a surge in demand for help from their website – www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Ian Dennis, Chief Officer said:

"Currently, a lot of people need advice about benefits - particularly Universal Credit, but we are also receiving many enquiries about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

We are continuing to assist some of the most vulnerable people in Charnwood.

We expect to see a much higher number of enquiries as the situation progresses. Thanks to our dedicated team of volunteer advisers and paid staff, who are working from home, we are able to continue offering telephone advice locally."

For more information please contact:
Ian Dennis, Chief Officer tel. 01509 221220