Since the pandemic Citizens Advice have had to adapt to a new way of working to ensure they are able to help as many residents as possible.
Cllr Anne Hills says: “Where as previously there used to be a specific office in Frome, since the pandemic the quickest and easiest way to gain advice is to contact Citizens Advice via their website, free advice line or their email advice service and that is still the case!”
Their online advice is available 24/7 and gives accurate up to date advice covering a multitude of issues, including: benefits, work and employment, debt and money, consumer, housing and much more. Their website is here and should be your first port of call as you may find the information you need.
Their website also houses the ‘Email Advice Form’, which allows residents to ask advice about a specific issue. Once it has been submitted, a member of the team will respond.
Alternatively, you can phone their Somerset Telephone Advice Service on 0808 278 7842, this is available for Monday – Friday from 10 am with evening services until 8.00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Alongside the online and phone options, for those who may not have access, the Frome Community Access Point will be available from September.
Angela Kerr, CEO for Citizens Advice Somerset said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of the Citizens Advice Somerset Community Access Point in partnership with Frome Town Council on Monday the 4th September 2023.
Situated at Frome Town Hall our Frome Community Access Point will be open every Monday to offer a service for anyone that can’t use our free Adviceline or our email advice service.
Call in to the Frome Community Access Point to find out how best we can help you, which may include a telephone call back, face to face appointment or follow up email. It won’t offer immediate access to advice, but, based on your needs, it will agree with you the best way for you to access our help.”
Cllr Hills continues: “We’re pleased to be working with Citizens Advice and to have the Access Point at the Town Hall. The struggle with the cost of living is still very real and hopefully, the Citizen Advice with their many channels can help Frome residents.”
Alongside the Citizens Advice, Somerset Council will be moving their Monday Customer Service Point from Frome Library to the Town Hall, to also help with any enquiries. The Customer Service Point from Tuesday – Friday will remain at the library.
Don’t forget that there is a Citizen Advice Kiosk at the Town Hall already and provides free access to an adviser by email or phone or tells you how to access information on the Citizens Advice national website. This is available all week and the opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9am – 5pm and Friday 9am – 4:30pm. There’s also a kiosk available in Frome Library.
For more information please visit the Citizens Advice website.
