Citizens Advice West Suffolk closes offices but continues to offer support

Citizens Advice West Suffolk is reassuring people it will continue to offer services – just not face-to-face.

It is closing its offices from today, but staff and volunteers who are not in at-risk groups will provide advice by phone, webchat and email. Phone appointments will be booked instead of in-person.

Jane Ballard, district manager, said: "These are unprecedented times and we regret the need to close all our offices to face to face advice. However, we recognise that consistent and trusted advice is needed now more than ever, with the speed that our normal life is changing."

The Universal Credit Help to Claim team is still operating to provide support with the claiming process by phone and webchat. The charity says many people whose income has suddenly disappeared or greatly reduced can submit claims for Universal Credit and could contact Citizens Advice for help.

"We are currently identifying how we continue to work with essential services such as food banks and will ensure that as much as possible we continue to provide a similar information and advice service as we have always done," said Jane.

"We are sorry to have had to take this decision to reduce any risk to our clients, volunteers and staff, particularly those who are vulnerable due to health conditions or age. We hope to return to normal as soon as Government and Citizens Advice guidance allow."

For assistance, contact:

Suffolk Adviceline: 0300 330 1151 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am-3.30pm)

Universal Credit Help to Claim: 0800 144 8 444 (freephone, Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm)

Or access support through www.suffolkwestcab.org.uk