Your local Citizens Advice is here for you
Our Advisers continue to work, just from home and are waiting to help you by phone and email.
Citizens Advice Stroud and Cotswold Districts are here to give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward in these difficult times.
Many residents have contacted us about benefits, employment, debt, relationships and other issues. Our highly trained advisers are keeping up to date on a daily basis with all the changes in the law and guidance due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Here are some of the things we have already helped clients with:
• Checking entitlement to benefits and advising how to make benefit claims – we know that many people are eligible for help but are struggling to know what assistance is available.
• Advising on employment options. Many residents’ work has been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic and the guidance from the government has changed frequently.
• Advising on options when they were struggling to pay their bills. Please do get in touch at the earliest opportunity as we can help you make sure that your situation is resolved as quickly as possible.
• Signposting and referring to other sources of help, such as the Foodbank and other local charities.
• Helping with energy problems, including how to top up pre-payment meters.
• Advising on relationship difficulties and what options are available.
We are also aware that fraudsters are taking advantage of the crisis – we can help you check if something is a scam.
Please call us on 0808 500 0510 or 0808 500 0511 Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm (free from landlines and most mobiles) or visit https://www.citizensadvice-stroudandcotswold.org.uk/stroud-cab-email-advice.php to email your enquiry to us.
If you are looking for advice on consumer issues (e.g. issues related to products or services you've purchased) you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Big Energy Saving Week (BESW) Jan 2020
A big thank you to everyone who participated in the Big Energy Saving Week
Use our energy price comparison tool to save money
Try the Citizens Advice energy price comparison tool which is free, uses a full market comparison, totally independent and gives a customer service rating for the major energy companies.
We also have advice and tips on what to consider when switching and how to check you are getting all the benefits and help you are entitled to.
16 Days of Action
We are taking part in the County-wide 16 days campaign for Gloucestershire, starting on the 25th November (International day for the elimination of violence against women) and ending on 10th December (Human rights day). Campaign events are posted by http://www.glostakeastand.com/
Follow the campaign on twitter @GlosTakeaStand #16DaysofAction #OurCommunityAgainstDASV
Day 16 - Crimestoppers are an independent charity that gives people the power to speak up and stop crime, 100% anonymously.
To report anonymously: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/pre-form
Day 15 - Did you know 58% of abused women missed at least 3 days off work a month? Download the employers’ toolkit and help #EndTheCycle
https://www.bitc.org.uk/toolkit/domestic-abuse-toolkit/
Day 14 - When no-one speaks out an abuser feels empowered and carries on. For information and support visit: http://www.glostakeastand.com
Day 13 - People rarely lie about rape or sexual abuse. Being believed helps to reduce barriers to accessing support and helps someone to start their healing journey. Visit http://bit.ly/survivorpathSW for tips on good practise
Day 12 - For information and support visit: https://www.gdass.org.uk/
Day 11 - Friends and family can be extremely helpful in supporting a loved one that has witnessed or endured domestic abuse. For tips on how to approach the conversation visit: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/the-survivors-handbook/im-worried-about-someone-else/
Day 10 - Anyone who has experienced rape, sexual assault or abuse needs to be involved in decisions about what happens next and be informed enough to make their own choices http://bit.ly/survivorpathSW
Day 9 - If you see or hear something that doesn’t sound right, trust your instincts. If you believe someone is in danger call the police. You can also report non-emergencies online http://bit.ly/ReportDomesticAbuse
Day 8 - Young People aged 13-19 experience some of the highest levels of domestic abuse. The Hideout is a space to help young people understand abuse and how to take action if it’s happening to them http://thehideout.org.uk/
Our community against Domestic abuse and Sexual violence
Our concert featuring Clare Hammond
Concert in Aid of Cotswold District Citizens Advice
on Saturday 19th October 2019, Cirencester Parish Church at 7.30pm
Come see the internationally acclaimed concert pianist Clare Hammond 
Supported by the Corinium Players Guitar Ensemble
Tickets available from:
- Coventry Building Society, 19 The Market Place, Cirencester
- Cotswold District Citizens Advice, 2-3 The Mews, Cricklade Street, Cirencester
- Cirencester Town Council, Bingham House, 1 Dyer Street, Cirencester
Tickets are £15 (£8 if under 16yrs)
Soroptimist International of Cirencester are providing refreshments which are included in the price of the ticket.
Doors open at 7pm.
Citizens Advice at The Phoenix Festival
Thank you to everyone who came along and supported us at this great community event.
