Advice service launches at Nightshelter

Citizens Advice Winchester District has launched a new fortnightly advice service specifically for residents at Winchester Churches Nightshelter.

The 17 bed shelter on Jewry Street provides accommodation for between 140-200 homeless people every year and offers practical and emotional support to help them escape homelessness for good.

As a specialist advice agency, Citizens Advice Winchester District will provide an additional level of support to Nightshelter residents to help them get back on their feet. Citizens Advice advisers have a huge amount of experience and expertise in helping vulnerable people within the local community – particularly in negotiating the complexities of the benefits system and resolving debt issues.

The fortnightly advice session will be provided by an experienced volunteer adviser and will help residents resolve issues involving debt, benefits, opening a bank account, family issues, form filling and liaising with government agencies and other big organisations.

Natalie Webb, Chief Officer for Citizens Advice Winchester District says “We’re really excited by the extension of our service into Winchester Nightshelter. There can be many reasons why someone who’s experienced homelessness may not come to us directly for help, so taking our service to the people who are most in need is an obvious way of providing the best service we can for Winchester’s most vulnerable people”

Citizens Advice Winchester District is a local, independent charity that offers free, impartial advice to anyone who needs support.

If you need advice, you can call into the office on St George’s Street, Winchester and speak to an adviser without the need for an appointment. There is also a Citizens Advice service in Bishop’s Waltham and outreaches in Alresford, Denmead and Wickham.

Alternatively call 03444 111306 or email advice@winchesterdistrictcab.org.uk

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