Citizens Advice Cheshire West is a member of the national Citizens Advice Network.
Citizens Advice has been operating in Cheshire West since 1939 with the first offices opening in Northwich and Chester a week after war was declared. The type of advice we have provided to residents has varied over time. In 1957, the Rent Act resulted in a big increase in enquiries. In the 1970s, consumer protection became a priority. In the 1990s, changes to the benefit system and changes to work practices generated work enquiries.
To this day we continue to provide information, advice and support to help local people overcome their problems and are able to support on a wide range of issues. However, our main advice areas are benefits, debt, housing, relationships and employment.
We are a registered charity and the service we provide is free, impartial and confidential. We are a local organisation, helping people who live in the Cheshire West and Chester area.
Since 1939 we have been a volunteer led organisation, with volunteers giving their time to provide advice and information to members of their community. How we provide that advice has changed over the years. Initially, advice was only provided face to face. With changes in technology we are now able to provide advice through phone, email and webchat as well as face to face.