Citizens Advice expands services in Teesdale

Residents in Teesdale will benefit from improved access to free, impartial advice as Citizens Advice County Durham is expanding its services.

From June 1, the organisation is increasing its opening hours at its Woodleigh office in Barnard Castle. The service, which runs weekly, will be available from 10am to 2pm every Wednesday.

The Woodleigh site has long been a key hub for advice services in Teesdale, offering face-to-face support to people dealing with concerns such as debt, benefits, housing, and energy costs.

The team of local volunteers is always happy to help with all sorts of problems.

Alongside the extended opening hours, Citizens Advice County Durham is also strengthening support for those living in more remote parts of the dale through its Rural Advice Service.

This service is designed to reach residents who may find it difficult to travel, offering flexible support including outreach, home visits, and remote advice.

The Rural Advice Service has been made possible thanks to funding from the Teesdale Local Network, through the Welfare Assistance Fund, helping to ensure that advice is accessible to communities right across the area.

Edward Pickering, chief executive officer of Citizens Advice County Durham, said: “We are really pleased to be able to expand our advice services in the Teesdale area.

“Increasing our opening times at Woodleigh means more people can access support when they need it, while our Rural Advice Service ensures we can reach those living in more isolated communities.

“Thanks to the support of the Teesdale Local Network, we are able to make sure that everyone in Teesdale has access to the advice they need, regardless of where they live.”

Residents can attend the Woodleigh session on a drop-in basis and can usually be seen on the same day.

The Rural Advice Service will be visiting community venues across Teesdale in the coming months.