Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) is getting ready to celebrate 85 years of being at the heart of the community, providing free and impartial advice to those in need with a range of events over the next few months.
Lisa Davis, CEO of Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, said: “We are planning some fun celebrations this year including a fundraising walk, a volunteer’s open day, a history project and a golf day to name a few. These events will raise awareness of our work in the local community and show our appreciation to our volunteers who give up their time with such strong commitment. We will also use these opportunities to fundraise to help ensure that we continue to be here for the community for the next 85 years.”
As one of the original 200 Citizens Advice branches established on 4 September 1939, CAEE helped many local people to trace family in the Forces, understand their entitlement to allowances and pensions and answered enquiries about lodgings after bomb damage.
Over the years, CAEE’s remit has increased to cover an array of issues - welfare benefits, housing, immigration, employment, family issues and general consumer issues. Each year it helps 2,500-3,000 people with over 8,000 different issues securing over £1 million for them in income.
Its specialist money advice team assists around 3000 people each year; and the mental health team helps over 150 people who are unable to access its service in the normal way. In addition, CAEE campaigns on issues that affects their clients by meeting with and influencing policy makers.
CAEE could not do its work without the 55+ volunteers who are the backbone of the service. Last year, CAEE saved the government and public services £1.2 million, and for every £1 invested in it, their clients benefited by £3.51. For more information on our celebratory events, please visit www.caee.org.uk/85th-anniversary/ . If your workplace, organisation, or school would like to get involved in any of the events, then please email [email protected] .
