Chesterfield Citizens Advice helps hundreds of people during coronavirus outbreak

Data from Citizens Advice Chesterfield shows it has supported 942 people with 3,078 issues between March 9 and April 30.

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The issues mainly related to Universal Credit, benefits and tax credits, debt and money issues, and employment.

People needing the charity’s help to access emergency food, cash or other vital essentials has been five times higher than the same time last year.

A spokesperson for Citizens Advice Chesterfield said: “In many cases, the pandemic is having a devastating effect on households.

“It’s vital that people understand the protections available to them – and, for many, the chance to talk through their concerns and worries.”

The way the charity delivers advice changed almost overnight in March amid the coronavirus outbreak.

It closed its drop-in office on Broad Pavement and suspended all face-to-face appointments.

However, staff and volunteers have been working hard from home to continue giving residents free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and information on a range of subjects.

Nationally, between March 16 and May 6, Citizens Advice’s website amassed a total of 13 million page views – an increase of 29 per cent on last year.

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “We’re living in an extraordinary time and it’s important people know they’re not alone.

“We’re here to help in this time of national crisis.”

Citizens Advice Chesterfield’s support line – 0300 4568437 – is open between 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday.

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