• Advice services are still open and helping people through the crisis
• Volunteers are working hard to provide advice both over the phone and online
Advice services across Coventry are already helping hundreds of people a week across the city on a range of issues which affect everyday life. They are encouraging those in need across Coventry to get in touch for support throughout the coronavirus crisis.
Three charities in the city, Coventry Citizens Advice, Coventry Independent Advice Service (CIAS) and Coventry Law Centre are reassuring people in need of help that they are still working and here to help. As people’s lives are affected by the virus the work the charities are doing is becoming increasingly vital to help them through hard times.
Advice services have seen a spike in demand due to the number of people impacted by the pandemic, however all three are still operating and can be contacted by phone or online.
Coventry Citizens Advice is receiving a high number of calls but advisers are working hard to speak to those who need support. They can be contacted Monday to Friday between 9am to 4pm on 03444 111 444. Alternatively their Advicebuddy online tool provides answers to key frequently asked questions, and a secure online webpage where you can contact an adviser can be accessed via www.advicebuddy.org
CIAS can also be contacted for support on welfare benefits, money problems and for general advice issues. Their online enquiry form (www.covadvice.org.uk/ask-us) can be used to ask for help. Alternatively, they can be contacted on their advice lines 07923 126 426 or 07923 126 430 (there is a voice mail option when an adviser is unavailable).
Coventry Law Centre offers free legal advice and representation in court where needed on welfare benefits appeals, housing, family and child law, health and social care, immigration and employment. While the team are working remotely, they can still be contacted between 10am and 3pm on 02476 223053 or by emailing enquiries@centralenglandlc.org.uk.
Kate Algate, Chief Executive at Coventry Citizens Advice said: “These are challenging times for many people and all three charities are keen to support as many people as possible however we can. Our services make a real difference to people’s lives across Coventry and we are keen to continue this throughout the crisis.
“We know that people have to stay at home but if you have a problem, we don’t want you to stay silent. We are urging people to get in touch if they find themselves with changes in circumstances and they don’t know what their options are.
“While we have seen high demand with many people calling us and some people may experience difficulties in getting through to us, I would encourage them to keep trying as we are still here to help.”
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For further information: Catherine Senior Catherine.senior@thecoventry.co.uk 07483133387
