FACE-TO-FACE services from Citizens Advice Bracknell and District will not go-ahead for the “foreseeable future” — but the charity’s volunteers and staff are still taking calls from home. 

Its main office on Market Street and outreach spots in Ascot, Sunninghill, Crowthorne and Sandhurst are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

READ MORE: Five stories you may have missed last week

But residents with questions about a range of issues, including debts, work, housing and more, will be contacted by an adviser if they make an appointment. 

Tina Stevenson, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Bracknell and District, said: “Citizens Advice is here to give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward in these difficult times. 

“You can find frequently updated advice on a range of issues related to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak at citizensadvice.org.uk/coronavirus.

READ MORE: Police appeal after Bracknell girl reported missing

“Unfortunately, we have taken the decision to suspend face-to-face services for the foreseeable future to support the government’s latest guidelines.

“We’ll continue to offer advice over the telephone on our Adviceline. 

“People looking for advice can also chat to an advisor online at the Citizens Advice website.”

Here’s how you can get in touch with Citizens Advice in the coming weeks: 

General advice will be given via our Adviceline which people can reach by calling 03 444 111 306 (please note this is not a Bracknell Area Code number). This is open and staffed by volunteers working from home on between the hours of: 09:45-17:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 09:45-18:30 Wednesdays, 09:00-17:00 Fridays and 09:12: on Saturdays

● People can chat online to an advisor by visiting our website at citizensadvice.org.uk/contact-us.

● People looking for advice on consumer issues (e.g. issues related to products or services you've purchased) can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or chat online to an advisor on our website.

● Anyone seeking to make a new claim for Universal Credit should call the Universal Credit Help to Claim line on 0800 1448444.

How has the pandemic affected the work of Citizens Advice?

Last month, Citizens Advice Bracknell and District helped 453 people with 2,947 issues.

This was an increase of 12 per cent and 40 per cent respectively from March 2019. 

A 22 per cent increase in calls was also recorded. 

READ MORE: Islamic community centre plans to go ahead

Tina added: “We are part of the local community infrastructure set up to support those most in need locally and we are looking at additional ways to manage urgent advice and support needs alongside our community partners.

“Rest assured we are doing everything we can to be there for local people who need us.”