Councils join forces to co-commission innovative information, advice and guidance partnership.
The Citizens Advice service in Stockport, Rochdale and Trafford are pleased to launch a new formal partnership with Stockport, Rochdale and Trafford local authorities to deliver information, advice and guidance services across the boroughs.
People will now be able to get support on a range of issues from the charity through a number of channels including digitally, via the telephone and face-to-face.
Stockport local authority already benefits from a digital drop-in operating from Fred Perry House two days per week, increasing to five days per week over the coming weeks. Rochdale local authority area will see the introduction of a new face-to-face digital advice drop-in service over the coming months. It is envisaged that this new service will be extended to Trafford ensuring a consistent and accessible service for all residents.
This new service will coach and support residents in accessing online information advice and guidance, covering a range of subjects including Money, Benefits, Housing, Employment and many more.
This year, the Citizens Advice service celebrates its 80th anniversary serving residents up and down the country and today, has one of the most recognisable and trusted brands.
Residents wanting to access information advice and guidance will be able to do so via the charities new website; www.casort.org; via the telephone by calling 0300 330 9073 between 8:30am and 5:30pm; or via face-to-face at one of the main Digital Advice Hubs in either Stockport, Rochdale or Trafford.
““We are pleased Stockport, Rochdale and Trafford Councils have come together to co-commission information, advice and guidance services across the three local authority areas, paving the way for a consistent advice service for residents across Greater Manchester.
“Our digital first approach will mean that the residents who need some support and can access our service digitally, can do so quickly whilst ensuring more in-depth support is available for the residents who need it.”
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As well as providing confidential and impartial advice, the Citizens Advice service works to improve the policies and principles that affect people's lives.
In 2018, the charity helped over 35,000 people with 74,500 issues.
““This new partnership gives us the opportunity to increase the support we offer to residents. The way our residents interact with our service has changed and they expect to be able to get advice in different ways depending on their situation - this new service aims to deliver just that; an advice service fit for the modern person, whilst meeting the needs of the residents who need in-depth support””
The Citizens Advice service across Stockport, Rochdale and Trafford relies on volunteers to help local residents. For more information on volunteering opportunities visit www.casort.org/volunteering.
Notes to editors:
Contact: press@castockport.org.uk
The Citizens Advice partnership includes Citizens Advice Pennine West (covering Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford) and Citizens Advice Stockport. The two organisations have come together through a formal collaboration agreement to jointly deliver services across Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford.
Together in 2018, the charity helped 35,000 unique clients with 74,500 issues
The top three advice issues are; Benefits & Tax Credits (includes Universal Credit), Debt, and Housing.
Clients can access advice:
Online - www.casort.org
Telephone - 03000 330 9073
Face-to-face via the Digital Hubs in:
Stockport - Fred Perry House, Monday to Friday, 9am till 5pm
Rochdale - Number 1 Riverside, Monday to Friday, 9am till 5pm from May 2019
Trafford - location to be confirmed
The Citizens Advice service is a network of independent charities offering impartial and confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.