Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell celebrates 85 years in the community
The charity was set up in 1939
Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) is getting ready to celebrate 85 years of providing free and impartial advice to those in need in the local community.
The charity was originally set up in 1939, to help people impacted by the war to trace family in the Forces and answer enquiries about alternative accommodation when their homes were damaged by bombing.
Over the years, their remit has changed substantially, and they now cover problems including welfare benefits, housing, immigration, employment, family issues and general consumer issues.
In the last year, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell helped between 2,500 and 3,000 local people with over 8,000 different issues securing over £1 million for them in income.
In addition, the charity campaigns on issues that affect their clients by meeting with and influencing policy makers.
Despite being based in Epsom Town Hall, they are a completely independent and impartial charity, and not part of the local authority or central government.
To mark their anniversary, they are planning a range of celebrations, including a fundraising walk, a volunteer’s open day, a history project, and a golf day amongst others.
It is hoped that these events will raise awareness of the charities’ work in the local community and show appreciation to the volunteers who give up their time to provide the service.
Lisa Davis, the charities’’ CEO, says the range of support and guidance on offer is vast Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell is vast.
“In terms of what we do, sometimes I say, what don't we do?”
“It's a one stop shop where if you have a problem, come into our door and we will help.”
Despite the changes over the years, she believes their work now is as vital as ever:
“It's always been important.”
“We've been in this community for 85 years, since the outset of the war, and we've remained relevant during that whole time.”
“As the problems that people face have changed, we've changed with that to meet those particular needs.”
“Today, there's just so much going on in terms of cost-of-living crisis and the energy crisis, so people really need that support.”
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