Teresa at the Parliamentary reception of the Citizens Advice Bureaux.
Teresa has thanked staff and volunteers at both Erith and Greenwich’s Citizens Advice Bureaux for providing constituents with the advice and support they need to solve their problems.
At an event in Parliament on Tuesday 16th June 2015, Teresa met people from across the Citizens Advice service. Teresa also learnt about the invaluable insight local Citizens Advice have about problems experienced by their constituents.
Both Erith CAB and Greenwich CAB provide free confidential and impartial advice to people in Erith & Thamesmead face-to-face and over the telephone. There is also a national website providing advice online, over email and via a web chat.
Common issues reported to the local Citizens Advice include queries about benefits, debt problems, employment and housing.
Nationally the Citizens Advice service helps 2.5 million people a year with 6.2 million issues.
Evidence from the charity shows Citizens Advice helps to solve two in three people’s problems. Where problems can’t be fully resolved Citizens Advice will work with relevant local and national organisations to help sort out systemic issues.
Teresa said:
“I am lucky enough to have two CABs which help constituents in my constituency of Erith and Thamesmead. These CABs do a terrific job in helping people solve their problems, and developing the skills and confidence people need to help themselves. As your local Member of Parliament, I’m keen to work closely with Citizens Advice to make sure people get access to the help they need and tackle any local issues together.
Volunteers are the bedrock of the Citizens Advice service. I’d like to thank the people in our area who give up their own time to help others and recognise their contribution to our local community.”
Citizens Advice Chief Executive, Gillian Guy, said:
“The right advice and support can transform lives. Local Citizens Advice solve the problems for two in three of our clients, and empower people to develop the skills and confidence they need to help themselves.
“It’s really important that people are able to access free and impartial advice as and when they need it, whether face to face, over the phone or online. We’re pleased to work with MPs to help them solve their constituents’ problems and address local and national issues.”
