Jump the queue for advice

There are numerous websites for every type of advice we might every need. In fact, the Citizens Advice website has almost everything in one place. Swotting up on our rights or next steps online, beats queuing or waiting for a local advisor. But they’re not the only advice agency in town.

For housing queries or rent arrears, there’s Shelter and local support charities (Search: housing advice + [our town]). We can also check our local authority website to find details of  our council’s housing team.

For mental health, there’s MIND, although there are dozens of great agencies, each with something different to offer. The same goes for domestic abuse, sadly on the rise during lockdown, where Women’s Aid is one option, but there are others. Similarly, kids at risk might turn to Childline, while concerned adults can approach the NSPCC. Every type of illness or disease usually has a specialist charity that in turn has a website, we just need to look them up.

Money help is all over the internet too. Now really is the time to check everything is in place. Start with the Quids in! Future-Proof Finance Quiz, to see what we might want to think about now, next and in future. From there, we can find advice on how to make those changes from MoneySavingExpert, the Money and Pensions Service or direct from the likes of National Debtline or Turn2us. See our list of national contacts here but don’t forget there will be local agencies too.