Citizens Advice Bureau
We work closely with the Citizens Advice Bureau in order to be able to provide parents, families and staff members with an easy link to help and helpful resources for a number of different issues. The Citizens Advice Bureau Community Advisor for our school is Lisa. Lisa visits school regularly, usually on Family Assembly days, to talk about relevant and topical issues as well as explaining how the CAB can help. Lisa is really friendly and approachable and is happy to talk in a private room in school or over the telephone. The range of services the CAB can provide is vast and can range from housing, benefits, employment, unemployment to debt, travel costs, grants and the list goes on! If you need any advice or help please let us know (you don’t have to tell us your issue) and we will put you in touch with Lisa for a chat.
Please see our case studies of people referred from Scremerston First School who have received help, below.
Case Study 1
Cl was living in a privately rented home and wanted advice on how to access council housing as
the rent was not affordable. We explained the process to follow, providing information on how to
apply, and how the banding decisions are made. During the conversation we discovered that
the client has debts that they are struggling with. We referred them to our debt helpline who
provided support and debt solutions. We additionally helped client with applying for a
discretionary housing payment, as we discovered that their rent was not being covered in full by
housing benefit. If awarded, a DHP can cover the shortfall between the benefit and rent cost,
relieving the client of the financial burden and giving them time to find alternative
accommodation.
Case study 2
Cl has health conditions and wanted to know if they could apply for any help. We advised on
eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which could increase their income to help
with their disabilities. They could receive from £28.70 to £184.30 a week. We also completed a
benefit check which showed some entitlement to council tax support. As client identified
struggles around the home we signposted them to One Call, adult social care, who will arrange
to come out to the clients home and assess for any aids or adaptations they can provide to
client to help them around the home.
If you would like to get some help or advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau without contacting school, please use the QR Code on the letter below.
