Support Citizens Advice New Forest

Aim

Making a donation to our free, vital service, helps us to make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most in the New Forest.

Who We Are

We are a passionate and dedicated local charity committed to supporting our community in the New Forest. Our team of fully trained advisers is at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on offering free, confidential, and impartial advice to anyone who needs it, regardless of who they are or what problem they face. Whether it's dealing with employment issues, housing challenges, or debt problems, we are here to help, offering guidance that makes a real difference.

Citizens Advice - The People’s Champion

Citizens Advice has been around for 85 years, helping people to solve problems. Part of the Citizens Advice network, Citizens Advice New Forest is an independent charity, serving the community of the New Forest- whoever you are, whatever your problem.

We work to ensure people have the information and support they need to make informed decisions and address any issues they face. In addition to offering direct advice, Citizens Advice also campaigns for systemic change to address the root causes of common problems that affect many people.

How Your Donations Can Help

We believe that no one should feel alone in facing problems that can often feel overwhelming. Our services are designed to meet people where they are, offering advice and assistance in a way that is accessible and supportive.

Your donations can help strengthen our presence in the New Forest, through our vital outreach efforts in community hubs and food banks, making sure that our services are available to those who may not be able to access our offices directly.

From Struggle to Support: Real Stories of Change with Citizens Advice New Forest

Sarah’s Story

Sarah was struggling with debt and managing her finances. Her mental health challenges had led her to disengage from support services, leaving her feeling isolated. However, when she visited a foodbank, she met with one of our advisers, who quickly discovered that she was behind on her rent and at risk of losing her home.

Recognizing the complexity of Sarah's situation, our adviser referred her to her GP's social prescriber to provide support for her mental health issues, ensuring that Sarah’s emotional well-being was also prioritised.

 In the meantime, our adviser reached out to Sarah's landlord and successfully placed her rent arrears on hold for four weeks. During this time, CANF applied for a Discretionary Housing Payment and the Household Support Fund from the local council to help ease Sarah’s financial strain. Additionally, Sarah received full energy advice, which led to support for her energy arrears, helping to clear part of her outstanding bills.

Sarah, the primary caregiver for her children, wasn’t receiving Child Benefit because it was being paid to her ex-partner. CANF intervened by contacting her ex-partner, leading to the claim being transferred to Sarah. As a result, Sarah was no longer subject to the bedroom tax, which reduced her arrears, and her Universal Credit was increased. We also supported Sarah in applying for a disability benefit, which she was successfully awarded.

Through these efforts, CANF helped Sarah increase her weekly income by £127. Thanks to ongoing support from our debt team, Sarah is no longer reliant on the foodbank. She now has enough money to support her family and is on a much stronger financial footing.

Steve’s Story

Steve faced a difficult and isolating situation when he reached pension age. His Universal Credit (UC) stopped, and he had not received an invitation to claim his State Pension. Without any income, Steve struggled to afford basic necessities, like food, and fell behind on his rent. His mental health took a serious toll, and he began to experience suicidal thoughts.

Our adviser was able to assist Steve with starting his State Pension claim urgently. In the meantime, Steve was referred to a foodbank and assisted in accessing several emergency funds. These vital applications provided immediate relief, allowing Steve to eat, heat his home, and pay a portion of his rent while waiting for his first pension payment.

When Steve’s State Pension was finally awarded, it was backdated for several months, giving him much-needed financial stability. He also made successful claims for Housing Benefit and a Council Tax Reduction, further easing his financial burden.

With these changes in place, Steve is no longer behind on his rent and no longer requires support from the foodbank. He now feels confident with his financial situation and knows that he can turn to us for further support if needed.

We Need Your Support

There is a common misconception that Citizens Advice is government funded. However, as a charity, we rely heavily on the generosity of individuals and grant-giving organisations to support our vital work.

As the challenges faced by our local community continue to grow, so does the demand for our services. Your support can help ensure we continue to offer free, confidential advice to those who need it most. Please consider supporting us today and making a real difference in the lives of our local residents.

To find out more about Citizens Advice New Forest, visit our website

This project successfully funded on 30th June 2025