Citizens Advice was founded on 4 September 1939, the day after World War II was declared, to help people deal with the impact of war. Volunteers gave advice on evacuation, ration books, new housing for those whose homes had been bombed, and even provided recipes using the limited ingredients available on rationing.
Eighty years on, the issues may have changed, but the core values of Citizens Advice remain the same: to provide free, confidential and impartial advice to everyone everywhere.
Last year, Citizens Advice Oxfordshire South and Vale, an independent charity, helped 11,999 people resolve 20,200 problems including debt, housing, Universal Credit, benefits, family problems and consumer issues. For many people this service is a lifeline.
Jon Bright, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Oxfordshire South and Vale, said: “This service is only possible thanks to the dedication and commitment of our 160 highly trained volunteers who give up their time to help people in our community find a solution to their problems.”
The number of people seeking advice has increased by 30 per cent over the last three years and the local offices need more volunteers to keep the service running. Volunteer posts include: advisers, receptionists, administrators, IT support and fundraisers. If you are interested, contact Citizens Advice Oxfordshire South and Vale for more information on 01235 550553 or email [email protected]
Jane Richardson, Chair of Trustees, and Liz Johnson, Manager, ,shown above, celebrate 80 years of Citizens Advice
For more information, please contact:
Catherine Whitmarsh, Fundraising and Events Coordinator
Citizens Advice Oxfordshire South and Vale
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JD
Email: [email protected]