It’s Trustees’ Week, but what do trustees actually do?
Most people get what CAEE volunteer advisers do but what about our volunteer trustees?
CAEE Blog
News and ideas about things that matter to our clients, volunteers and the community. Volunteers, trustees, staff and guests have their say.
Supporting vulnerable residents – Household Support Fund in Epsom and Ewell
Colleagues Anna and Victoria update stakeholders on value of the local Household Support Fund.
Autumn fruitfulness for policy research but will clients be smiling?
Autumn: fruitfulness for policy research. Not so mellow for clients. A campaigns update.
The true spirit of the community and why we campaign for change.
At CAEE we try to represent the spirit of the community in our advice *and* our campaigns for necessary change.
Young people and renting in 2024. CAEE Blog
It’s no secret that there’s a continuing housing crisis in the UK. And anyone who hasn’t noticed a shortage of decent accommodation affecting young people hasn’t been paying attention.
Ollie Smith is a communications and research volunteer at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (4 minutes)
Household Support Fund – what you need to know. CAEE Blog.
Since June our Household Support Fund has helped 90 local families. FAQs.
School uniforms – important and expensive. CAEE Blog.
School uniforms. In her new blog Anna Tickle writes about an important cost approaching with the new school year.
Guest Blog. Rob Geleit celebrates a successful charity partnership
Rob Geleit reflects on charity work he and his colleagues undertook during his year as Mayor. Guest Blog. Councillor Rob Geleit represents Court Ward on Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and was Mayor in 2023-24. (3-minute read)
Blank Space makes living standards election more Eras Tour election 🎵
This election should be about Living Standards but Swifties may see Eras! 🎵
Volunteers’ Week 2024. Help celebrate our amazing team!
Jane Sheils introduces Volunteers' Week, 3-9 June, and meets new and long-serving members of Team CAEE.
Brand new film: ‘We are the people’s champion’
An inspiring 60-second film leads a new strategy across Citizens Advice.
Young adults: new responsibilities, new problems
Young adults: Anna asks how Citizens Advice can help with problems facing so many in the transition from education to work and life
Anna Tickle is a Research and Campaigns volunteer at Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell. (3 minutes)
Common mental health issues in the young are rising. Citizens Advice can do more.
Common mental health disorders are rising fast among young people. Why is this? Tish asks if a dedicated Citizens Advice service could help solve the problem.
Tish Ahabwe Mukankusi is a Trainee Assessor at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (3 minutes)
Civil society, data insights, exciting plan: Annual Conference online.
Civil society is the institutions, people and beliefs that aren’t public or private, government or business. A positive report by our research team in a second Conference 2024 blog.
By Research and Campaigns Team, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (4 minutes)
At Conference Vicki learned about advice innovations and met a shark!
At Conference for the first time, Vicki hoped to learn more about how Citizens Advice works. She wasn’t disappointed. A full day covered tech possibilities, colleague and client wellbeing and Citizens Advice values.
Vicki Phelan is a Financial and Wellbeing Support Service Caseworker at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (4 minutes)
Mental health, young people and Citizens Advice
Mental health conditions have been rising among the young. There are ways we can help.
Less risk, More Reward – helping UCA students with financial wellbeing
Less Risk, More Reward was this year’s theme for National Student Money Week. We attended an event at University for the Creative Arts Epsom to help students think about their financial wellbeing.
Vicki Phelan is a Financial and Wellbeing Support Service Caseworker. (3 mins)
CAEE Chair of Trustees Yvette sets out ambitious plans for 2024-25
With the persistently high cost-of-living, 2024-25 will be another important year for CAEE. Our Trustees have approved an ambitious business plan with new ideas for expanding the service, engaging the community and giving clients more access to good advice.
Yvette Ball is Chair of the Trustees Board at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (2 minutes)
My Volunteering Journey at Citizens Advice – so far! Yandi
My volunteering as an Outreach Adviser at Citizens Advice has been transformative. It has not only allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the community but enriched my personal and professional growth. Yandi is an Outreach Generalist Adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (2 minutes)
Client’s need is key focus of Citizens Advisers. New from Marian Anghileri
At Citizens Advice one of our main objectives is to focus on our client’s needs. Last autumn Rosebery Housing referred an older person to the CAEE Money Advice team. Marian Anghileri is a specialist money adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (2 minutes)
Volunteering variety at Citizens Advice – Jane’s starter for 10.
Volunteering variety is guaranteed at Citizens Advice. Every volunteer comes to us with different skills and we have an amazingly wide range of roles. Here is my starter for 10 plus double bonus!
Jane Sheils is Volunteer Publicity Adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (5 minutes)
Household budgets, cost of living, election: Data Insights Latest
New blog reporting and recommending the latest cost-of-living briefing with election guru Professor Sir John Curtice.
This winter everyone should be able to stay warm and eat properly
This winter Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell is offering Energy Support Appointments to those in need. At CAEE we see only too well the challenges many people face with winter energy bills.
Yandi is Outreach Generalist Adviser Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (2-minute read)
Hopes and fears: latest price changes may flatter to deceive
Hopes and fears have dominated Citizens Advice cost–of-living campaigns othroughout 2023. They rise and fall with official statistics and our own national and local data.
Research & Campaigns Team, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (2-minute read)
‘Experience of life and its ups and downs made me want to help.’ Shaun
Experience of life with all its ups and downs and 35 years in management. That’s my background and it’s proved a good preparation for my time as a Citizens Advice trustee.
Shaun Jones is a long-serving trustee at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (3 minutes)
Saluting our sisters. Lisa honours her best friend.
“Thinking of this year’s Black History Month theme, Saluting our Sisters, my reflections were very personal.” Our fourth BHM blog is an uplifting story of lifelong friendship: two women who began as competitors found unshakeable strength in sisterhood.
Lisa Davis is Chief Executive, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (3 mins)
Learning to be tough and resilient – Samantha for Black History Month.
In a short heartfelt blog our colleague Samantha writes of her mother’s contribution to her learning to be tough and resilient. A comment from CAEE Chair follows.
Samantha is Training and Development Manager at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (3-minute read)
Black History Month. Maxine is inspired by a Surrey entrepreneur
“In reading about the Black History Month theme, I came across various articles about inspiring women. Thinking about ‘Saluting our Sisters’ I want to highlight the work of Lydia Amoah, an entrepreneur from Surrey.”
Black History Month. Yandi reflects on black culture’s history and connections
“Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the diverse and intricate history of black culture which has shaped our society as we see it today. But it’s also a time to celebrate the connections that unite us as a community. “
Yandi is Outreach Generalist Adviser (in training) Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (3-minute read)
The rising cost of high rents (it’s not all financial)
“The rising cost of high rents is damaging household finances but also health, security, family life and the economy. With the cost-of-living crisis stretching pockets, high rents going even higher can be the final straw. ”
Anna Tickle is a Research & Campaigns Volunteer at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (4 minute read)
Why join our volunteer team? Jane’s NEW starter for 10!
Demand for independent advice is growing and we need to strengthen the CAEE volunteer team. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider joining us, in the community’s interest and your own.
Jane Sheils is Volunteer Publicity Adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
Citizens Advice means community, service, support. Now they need volunteers.
“When I think of Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell three words spring to mind to illustrate the value of this wonderful organisation: community, service and support. I’m proud to support them during my year of office.” Guest Blog
Councillor Rob Geleit is Mayor of Epsom & Ewell (3 minute read)
Understanding young people and the ‘cozzie livs’.
For over a year the ‘cost of living crisis’ has dominated in all media. It became so familiar that younger people gave it a nickname, the ‘cozzie livs’. (4-minute read)
Chloe May and Anna Tickle are Research and Campaigns Volunteers at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
Watchdog’s new duty for banks: ensure good outcomes for customers
Good outcomes for customers – that is now the Financial Conduct Authority’s aim in regulating banks and other service providers. People should expect to be treated well.
Chloe May (pictured) and Anna Tickle are Research and Campaigns Volunteers at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
Thinking about volunteering? 10 questions you might want to ask
At CAEE we depend on dedicated local people who care about their community. Their time, skills and experience are our strength. I hope my answers to these questions are helpful and encourage you to apply.
Jane Sheils is Volunteer Publicity Adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell
Rail leaders should think again about shutting station ticket offices
Plans to close most ticket offices: it's not hard to see why opposition has grown. Research and Campaigns team.
What we learned on our work experience week at CAEE
"The week at Citizens Advice gave me valuable skills to use in the workplace." Caitlin and Sofia.
Making sure all have online access
The digital age offers so much in education, communication, entertainment, healthcare and more. Unfortunately not everyone is included and without help their quality of life can really suffer.
Alison Kelly is a Volunteer Digital Support Officer at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
‘Home Advantage’ makes clear case for investment in energy efficiency
Why government must commit to improving the energy efficiency of the nation's homes. Research & Campaigns Team (3 minutes)
Improving life for housing association tenants – with decent floors
Typically people move into empty housing association property without carpets.
My first 100 days as Chair – quite a rollercoaster!
I’d done my homework for the interview to be Chair of Citizens Advice Epsom and Ewell. Still, I surprised even myself at how little I knew and how much there was to learn. It’s been quite a rollercoaster!
Yvette Ball is Chair at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
Cost of living campaigning at Westminster
National and Local Citizens Advice colleagues last week took their charities’ cost of living campaigning to parliament. Financial distress has grown across the country along with a frightening rise in the cost of living.
Louise Curd is Publicity and Fundraising Manager at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
International Women’s Day 2023: a powerful global event
“An occasion to highlight achievements and aims that matter to everyone. We’re pleased to support a global event whose ideals the women and men who run our charity are proud to share.”
Lisa Davis is Chief Executive at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
Looking back: client experiences in 2022 (2)
Our review of the client stories we told in 2022 showed us individuals or families all facing complex intersecting problems.
Looking back: client experiences in 2022 (1)
New Blog. In 2022 our advisers helped clients with thousands of problems. Sadly they didn't come 'single spies'.
Freeze on Local Housing Allowance risks private rent debt crisis
Next month’s Budget should reset Local Housing Allowance (LHA) to take account of rising private rents. Continuing the freeze risks causing a private rental debt crisis.
CAEE Research & Campaigns Team (3 minutes)
The ‘other’ social value of Citizens Advice: as a trusted reporter. Lisa Davis.
“As a trusted reporter, Citizens Advice helps the public, government and business understand the causes of social problems and what to do about them.”
Things you may have missed about us. Number 4. (4 mins)
Our free, open-to-all service depends on local people and local funding. Louise Curd.
“CAEE has been an independent local charity since 1939. Nothing we do would be possible without local people or local funding.”
Things you may have missed about us – Number 3 (3 minutes)
Clients can be totally confident we will never judge them. Karen Baird.
“The aim of all our client contacts is to help the person move forward with confidence. Mutual trust is essential.”
Things you may have missed about us – Number 2. (3 minutes)
Households need crisis support in face of ‘desperate choices’. Research & Campaigns Team.
New local and national research reveals problems facing low-income and indebted households wherever they are.
Cost of living problems: why truly independent advice is so important. Lisa Davis.
Our clients often feel the world is against them. They need to know our core values are independence and impartiality, our sole aim to help them find a way forward.
Things you may not know about us – Number 1.(2 minutes)
Citizens Advice is calling on government to protect most vulnerable
We're building up our service here and helping the CA campaign to protect the vulnerable everywhere.
What Black History Month Means To Me …
"This year’s Black History Month theme is ‘Time for Change: Action Not Words’, an area I feel passionately about."
Meet Tom. With our support he’s changing his life for the better.
"When he first came to us he had spiralling rent, water and council tax debt. Appointments had always been challenging."
The Times for energy efficiency: if not now, when?
"With government and candidates for PM under pressure to do something, two newspaper columns about energy and economics strike a chord. "
Urgent need for legal volunteers to improve access to justice: Louise Curd
Our publicity and fundraising manager explains the role of local pro-bono lawyers.
Cost of living is cause of significant extra anxiety: Marian Anghileri
"Clients are often great money managers – always on the lookout for bargains."
Ukraine, a warm welcome in Epsom: Two Residents.
Heartening account of one family's kindness to people displaced by war.
Our service changed but the important things remain: Maureen Northmore
A dedicated volunteer reflects on her long service at Citizens Advice.
Jury service changed my thinking: Ruma Parvin
Our Debt and Outreach Adviser reflects on her experience of an essential citizen responsibility.