Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.9, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Citizens Advice New Forest Providing the advice people need for the problems they face ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [I love the summer, but when the weather heats up there are times when the temperature in our home can become unbearable.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/i-love-the-summer-but-when-the-weather-heats-up-there-are-times-when-the-temperature-in-our-home-can-become-unbearable/) - What can I do to try and keep it cool? An overheating home can make life very uncomfortable and could even have a negative impact on your health. Here are some simple steps you can take to help make your surroundings more bearable when the temperature rises: Let cool air in Open windows on opposite - [Families encouraged to plan ahead as summer holiday costs remain high](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/families-encouraged-to-plan-ahead-as-summer-holiday-costs-remain-high/) - Neill Young, our Chief Executive Officer, has highlighted the ongoing financial pressures facing households during the cost-of-living crisis as the summer holidays approach, during an interview on BBC Radio Solent. He discussed the impact of already-high living costs on family budgets and shared guidance for the weeks ahead, particularly for those with children. Rising pressures - [I’ve recently had to give up work due to a back injury and I’m worried about how I’m going to cope with the drop in income.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/ive-recently-had-to-give-up-work-due-to-a-back-injury-and-im-worried-about-how-im-going-to-cope-with-the-drop-in-income/) - I’m not sure what benefits I can get - where should I start? Lots of people miss out on benefits they’re entitled to, so it’s definitely worth checking what you can get. Claiming benefits also means you can get access to other financial help like cost of living payments and discounts on energy and transport. - [I bought a jacket online and when it arrived it looked nothing like the images shown. The company said if I want a refund I must pay to ship it to an address in China, but the website claimed the brand was UK-based.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/i-bought-a-jacket-online-and-when-it-arrived-it-looked-nothing-like-the-images-shown-the-company-said-if-i-want-a-refund-i-must-pay-to-ship-it-to-an-address-in-china-but-the-website-claimed-the-bran/) - Is this a scam and how do I avoid it in future? This is a really frustrating situation and unfortunately it’s becoming more common than you might think. It is in fact a type of retail scam and often leads to customers having refund rows with sellers who are misleading people. These companies are known - [I’m becoming more aware of how much energy our household gadgets and appliances use, and it’s making me think about our bills.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/im-becoming-more-aware-of-how-much-energy-our-household-gadgets-and-appliances-use-and-its-making-me-think-about-our-bills/) - Do you have any tips to help us cut down on energy use and save some money at home? It’s completely normal to worry about rising energy bills. The good news is that adopting a few simple habits into your daily routine can make a real difference. Here are some practical tips to help you - [Supporting Young People into Work: New Government Youth Job Grant](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/supporting-young-people-into-work-new-government-youth-job-grant/) - Our Chief Officer Neill Young recently spoke on BBC Radio Solent about the government’s new Youth Job Grant, a scheme designed to help more young people take their first steps into employment. The initiative offers employers a £3,000 grant for every young person aged 18–24 they hire who is currently receiving Universal Credit. Supporting Young - [I bought a doll for my child recently. I thought it was manufactured by a well-known brand, but I suspect it might be counterfeit.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/i-bought-a-doll-for-my-child-recently-i-thought-it-was-manufactured-by-a-well-known-brand-but-i-suspect-it-might-be-counterfeit/) - How can I be sure and what are my rights? You’re right to seek advice about this issue, because counterfeit goods aren’t only illegal, they can be dangerous. Fake children’s toys in particular, including dolls, often don’t meet safety standards and can pose choking hazards - poor manufacturing can mean small parts are easily detachable. - [Our Chief Officer Shares Practical Renting Advice on BBC Radio Solent](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/our-chief-officer-shares-practical-renting-advice-on-bbc-radio-solent/) - Yesterday, our Chief Officer, Neill Young, appeared on BBC Radio Solent’s Ask the Expert feature, offering listeners practical advice on renters’ rights and responsibilities, including renting out a spare room and living in Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). 🎧 Listen to the segment from 2:27: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002qh8q During the programme, Neill highlighted a number of important - [I'm worried about losing power due to stormy weather. I keep imagining being stuck in the cold, struggling to feed the kids, with no way of contacting people.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/im-worried-about-losing-power-due-to-stormy-weather-i-keep-imagining-being-stuck-in-the-cold-struggling-to-feed-the-kids-with-no-way-of-contacting-people/) - What should I do if this happens, and is there anything I can do to prepare? Power cuts can be unexpected and worrying, especially if your power doesn’t come back on quickly. So it’s good to know who to report an outage to and what you can do to prepare. If you lose electricity due - [A friend has suddenly fallen ill, which has made me think about getting my affairs in order. I’ve heard of setting up a lasting power of attorney, but I don’t really know where to begin, or if I really need to, as I’m not very old.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/a-friend-has-suddenly-fallen-ill-which-has-made-me-think-about-getting-my-affairs-in-order-ive-heard-of-setting-up-a-lasting-power-of-attorney-but-i-dont-really-know-where-to/) - Where should I start? The first thing to know is that anyone can make a lasting power of attorney; it's not something purely for older people to consider. Appointing a lasting power of attorney (LPA) means nominating someone such as a trusted friend or relative to act on your behalf and manage your finances, care - [I'm stressed about being able to afford food for my family as the colder months set in. We will be spending more on heating, and we’re barely making it through as it is.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/im-stressed-about-being-able-to-afford-food-for-my-family-as-the-colder-months-set-in-we-will-be-spending-more-on-heating-and-were-barely-making-it-through-as-it-is/) - Can I use a food bank if I need to? It’s understandable to be worried about affording food when you’re in a tough spot financially - especially with the cost of your bills rising. You’re not alone, as Citizens Advice helps lots of people in this position. Food banks are community organisations that can help - [After last winter, I’m really worried about falling behind on my energy bills again as we head into the colder months. We’re careful about what we use but with small kids it’s hard.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/after-last-winter-im-really-worried-about-falling-behind-on-my-energy-bills-again-as-we-head-into-the-colder-months-were-careful-about-what-we-use-but-with-small-kids-its/) - What can I do if I’m struggling to keep up with payments? It's understandable to feel anxious about energy bills at this time of year. If you’re struggling to afford your bills, it's important to act quickly; support is available and there are things you can do to ensure you’re not overpaying. The first thing - [I’m starting to book tickets for Christmas events, but I’ve seen lots of stories in the news about people being left out of pocket if these are cancelled at the last minute, which is making me nervous.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/im-starting-to-book-tickets-for-christmas-events-but-ive-seen-lots-of-stories-in-the-news-about-people-being-left-out-of-pocket-if-these-are-cancelled-at-the-last-minute-which-is-m/) - How can I get a refund if this happens to me? Keep an eye on the organiser’s website and social media profiles for all the latest updates. You won’t be entitled to a refund if you change your mind about going or realise you can’t go anymore - but if an event is cancelled, your - [I’ve just returned to work after a long time out of the workforce and I’m slightly embarrassed to say I don’t understand what all the different sections of my payslip refer to.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/ive-just-returned-to-work-after-a-long-time-out-of-the-workforce-and-im-slightly-embarrassed-to-say-i-dont-understand-what-all-the-different-sections-of-my-payslip-refer-to/) - How do I know what each means? Payslips contain lots of information which can be overwhelming at first but are important to understand. All employers are required to give employees a payslip showing your pay and deductions. This might be provided on paper or via an online platform. It’s a good idea to keep your - [I got a text asking me to click on a link to reschedule a parcel delivery I’d missed. I was waiting for a parcel from Royal Mail at the time, so I clicked on the link and was asked to make a payment. Luckily, my daughter told me the text is a scam and to ignore it, but I almost gave away my personal details.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/i-got-a-text-asking-me-to-click-on-a-link-to-reschedule-a-parcel-delivery-id-missed-i-was-waitingfor-a-parcel-from-royal-mail-at-the-time-so-i-clicked-on-the-link-and-was-asked-to-make-apay/) - How can I spot the signs of this type of scam myself in the future? Parcel delivery scams are becoming increasingly common. Ones involving texts and emails are known as phishing scams, and aim to trick you into giving away your personal information and financial details, so your bank account and money can be accessed. - [Finishing Uni for the year? Here’s what you need to know](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/finishing-uni-for-the-year-heres-what-you-need-to-know/) - Read... - [What Steps Can We Take To Make Sure We’re Fully Protected When Booking a Holiday?](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/what-steps-can-we-take-to-make-sure-were-fully-protected-when-booking-a-holiday/) - We’re planning a summer getaway to Greece and I’m worried we’ll forget something important, which could ruin the holiday. What steps can we take to make sure we’re fully protected and prepared if anything goes wrong? - [Single parents and rising debts: a growing crisis](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/single-parents-and-rising-debts-a-growing-crisis/) - Read... - [I’m worried I won’t be able to afford my council tax bill on my own. What can I do?](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/im-worried-i-wont-be-able-to-afford-my-council-tax-bill-on-my-own-what-can-i-do/) - I’ve recently found myself living alone after the breakdown of my relationship. My council tax bill is due soon, and I’m worried I won’t be able to afford to pay it on my own. I’m already struggling to cover the cost of my other bills. What can I do? You’re not alone in worrying about - [Radio Teleswitch Meters — and why they’re on their way out](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/radio-teleswitch-meters-and-why-theyre-on-their-way-out/) - Read... - [Let’s talk about debt](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/lets-talk-about-debt/) - Read... - [I’m worried about my debt and rising bills, and I want to know what support is available.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/im-worried-about-my-debt-and-rising-bills-and-i-want-to-know-what-support-is-available/) - Do you have any advice on managing rising costs and what to do if you fall into debt? With energy, water and broadband bills on the rise, it’s getting increasingly difficult for many people to cover their expenses. It’s important to know you’re not alone in finding things difficult and that financial support might be - [I’m moving and will be renting somewhere on my own for the first time. It feels like there’s so much to think about, I’m worried I’ll forget something important.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/im-moving-and-will-be-renting-somewhere-on-my-own-for-the-first-time-it-feels-like-theres-so-much-to-think-about-im-worried-ill-forget-something-important/) - Do you have any advice on what I should do when looking for a new home? Most properties available for rent are listed online or with lettings agents. If you have the chance, renting directly from a landlord might be a bit cheaper before you move in, as they may ask for fewer references and - [My son and I are both struggling to find work at the moment. He’s just finished university and looking for his first job, and I’m retired but need to top up my income.](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/my-son-and-i-are-both-struggling-to-find-work-at-the-moment-hes-just-finisheduniversity-and-looking-for-his-first-job-and-im-retired-but-need-to-top-up-my-income/) - We’ve both been sending out applications for a while now, could unpaid work help us find something? Whether you’re trying to get into work for the first time or after time off, finding a job can be really challenging. It’s always a good idea to think about what skills or experience you could be missing - [Why is energy bill support continuing to let disabled people down?](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/why-are-blue-badges-getting-harder-to-access-2/) - Read... - [What Can I Do About Damp and Mould in My Rented Property?](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/what-can-i-do-about-damp-and-mould-in-my-rented-property/) - Damp and mould has built up in our home over the winter. It started around the windows but now it’s spread. I’ve been chasing our letting agency, who say they’ll speak to our landlord but there’s been no action and I’m really worried about how this might affect our health. Our tenancy agreement isn’t up - [Why are Blue Badges getting harder to access?](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/why-are-blue-badges-getting-harder-to-access/) - Read... - [What Are My Rights if a Gig is cancelled?](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/march-2022-advice-column/) - I love live music and now that restrictions have lifted, I’m keen to start going to events again. I’ve booked tickets for some gigs over the next few months, but I’m still a little worried. I can’t quite believe things are fully back to normal. What will happen if restrictions come back in? It’s understandable - [Are You Struggling with Household Bills?](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/are-you-struggling-with-household-bills-april-2022-advice/) - If you’re struggling to stay on top of bills it’s important to know what money you have available Citizens Advice has a budgeting tool that can help with this - [Are You Worried About the Costs of Going Back to School?](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/are-you-worried-about-the-costs-of-going-back-to-school-september-2022-advice/) - New school year is tough for many people’s budgets There is help available We have information on the support you may be entitled to for back to school costs - [How Do I keep Track of My spending?](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/how-do-i-keep-track-of-my-spending/) - I’ve really struggled with my money this year, and have already spent too much on Christmas. I also recently got caught out by a free trial on an app that rolled into a paid subscription. Even without this though, it feels like every month I end up in my overdraft. How can I keep track - [Cost of Living Community Conversations: New Forest, 2023](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/cost-of-living-community-conversations-new-forest-2023/) - We have now published our report from 'Cost of Living Community Conversations: New Forest', based on a series of workshops held between October and December 2023. This initiative was designed to provide people living in the New Forest on a low income with a chance to voice their issues related to the cost of living - [Introduction to the Cost of Living Steering Group](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/introduction-to-the-cost-of-living-steering-group/) - Find out more about the Cost of Living Steering Group in the New Forest, its work in our community & reports about the Cost of Living Crisis & how it affects us - [Cost of Living New Forest Report](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/cost-of-living-new-forest-report/) - [Raise Money and Help our New Forest Communities in Crisis-Cancelled](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/raise-money-and-help-our-new-forest-communities-in-crisis/) - Join us on a fundraising walk and ride from Bucklers Hard to Beaulieu and back again to help people in the New Forest cope with the cost of living crisis. - [Citizens Advice New Forest Annual Report 2021/2022](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/citizens-advice-new-forest-annual-report-2021-2022/) - [2022 Summer Newsletter](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/2022-summer-newsletter/) - [2022 Spring Newsletter](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/2022-spring-newsletter/) - [2021 Summer Newsletter](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/2021-summer-newsletter/) - [pdf-embedder url="http://www.newforestcab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CANF-Summer-Newsletter-2021.pdf" title="CANF Summer Newsletter 2021"] - [2021 Autumn Newsletter](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/2021-autumn-newsletter/) - [pdf-embedder url="http://www.newforestcab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Sept-2021-compressed.pdf"] - [Cost of Living in the New Forest Policy Brief](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/cost-of-living-in-the-new-forest-policy-brief/) - [pdf-embedder url="http://www.newforestcab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Cost-of-Living-New-Forest-Policy-Brief.pdf" title="Cost of Living New Forest Policy Brief"] - [Cost of Living in the New Forest](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/cost-of-living-in-the-new-forest/) - [pdf-embedder url="http://www.newforestcab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Cost-of-Living-New-Forest-Report.pdf" title="Cost of Living New Forest Report"] - [Citizens Advice New Forest Annual Report 2020/21](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/2685-2/) - We’re here for everyone. We help with problems like managing debt or household bills, understanding rights at work or housing issues. We’re an important part of the New Forest community, through our daily interaction with clients, we have a credible understanding of local needs. We use our data and insight to tailor our services, as - [Lymington Citizens Advice New Forest is Moving!](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/lymington-citizens-advice-new-forest-is-moving/) - From tomorrow 2nd October our Lymington office will be closed to the public . We are moving to Lymington Town Hall and will be reopening our service at Lymington Town Hall on the 7th October. [pdf-embedder url="http://www.newforestcab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Poster-7th-Oct.pdf" title="Poster 7th Oct"] - [The Southampton Legal Walk 2019](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/the-southampton-legal-walk-2019/) - Southampton Legal Walk 2019 Tuesday 17 September 2019 The Southampton Legal Walk is a 10k walk after work to help fundraise for legal advice agencies like Citizens Advice New Forest and others in Hampshire. Local lawyers and people from advice agencies are turning out to walk 10k in Southampton to raise much needed funds. Cuts - [2019 Spring Newsletter](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/2019-spring-newsletter/) - [pdf-embedder url="http://www.newforestcab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/CANF_newsletter_May_2019_v1.0.pdf"] - [Tesco Bags of Help](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/1991-2/) - Citizens Advice New Forest bags £4,000 from Tesco’s community grant scheme Citizens Advice New Forest is delighted to announce it has bagged £4,000 from Tesco’s Bags of Help community grant scheme. Bags of Help is run in partnership with environmental charity Groundwork, and sees grants raised from the sale of carrier bags awarded to thousands - [List of Local Organisations Opening Times Christmas 2021](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/list-of-local-organisations-opening-times-christmas-2021/) - [pdf-embedder url="http://www.newforestcab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Local-organisations-Christmas-opening-2021.xlsx-2021-2-1.pdf" title="Local organisations Christmas opening 2021.xlsx – 2021 (2) (1)"] - [Monthly Advice Columns](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/monthly-advice-columns/) - October 2021 [pdf-embedder url="http://www.newforestcab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CA-Energy-Saving-Tips-1.pdf" title="CA Energy Saving Tips (1)"] December 2021 [pdf-embedder url="http://www.newforestcab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Advice-column-Dec-2021-1.docx.pdf" title="Advice column Dec 2021 (1).docx"] - [Citizens Advice New Forest Annual Report 2018/2019](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/citizens-advice-new-forest-annual-report-2018-2019/) - We’re here for everyone. We help with problems like managing debt or household bills, understanding rights at work or housing issues. We’re an important part of the New Forest community, through our daily interaction with clients, we have a credible understanding of local needs. We use our data and insight to tailor our services, as - [2018 Spring Newsletter](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/2018-spring-newsletter/) - [pdf-embedder url="http://www.newforestcab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CANF_newsletter_Spring_2018.pdf"] - [2018 Autumn Newsletter](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/2018-autumn-newsletter/) - [pdf-embedder url="http://www.newforestcab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CANF_newsletter_Autumn_2018.pdf"] - [Citizens Advice New Forest Annual Report 2017- 2018](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/citizens-advice-new-forest-annual-report-2017-2018/) - In 2017/18 over 7,000 people came to us for advice and help with solving their problems. We're here for everyone. We help with problems like managing debt or household bills, understanding rights at work or housing issues. We also provide specialist services in debt, and employment law; and for people dealing with cancer in their - [Citizens Advice welcomes clients to new look service in Ringwood](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/citizens-advice-welcomes-clients-to-new-look-service-in-ringwood/) - Citizens Advice New Forest officially opened its new office in Hampshire County Council’s Ringwood library on 2 November 2018. The new office forms part of a recent £17,000 refurbishment project by Hampshire Library Service, which has enabled Citizens Advice and library staff to share a new customer helpdesk. Invited guests and service users enjoyed a - [New Milton Co-op Local Community Fund](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/new-milton-co-op-local-community-fund/) - Big Thank You to New Milton Co-op Members! The Co-op Local Community Fund has awarded Citizens Advice New Forest a total of £2666.68. Co-op member shoppers raised this money through buying Co-op branded products and services to support the work of the CA New Forest New Milton office. CA New Forest CEO Malcolm Walker said ## Pages - [Welcome to Citizens Advice New Forest](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/) - Free impartial confidential independent advice from Citizens Advice New Forest We are here to help whoever you are whatever the problem Serving Our Community - [Get Involved](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/get-involved/) - Get Involved Citizens Advice New Forest is a local charity dedicated to helping those in need. Find out how you can get involved with our work and support our team. Support Us Volunteer Work with Us Follow our work on social media Sign up to our Supporter Newsletter We rely on the support and awareness - [Fundraising](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/fundraising/) - Support Us We Rely on Fundraising. Citizens Advice New Forest is a local charity dedicated to helping those in need. Whoever you are, whatever your problem, we are here to help. To continue providing our free, vital services to the community, we rely on grants, sponsorship, and donations. Every contribution, big or small, helps us - [About Us](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/about-us/) - Save History of Citizens Advice Citizens Advice has been helping people solve their problems since 1939, starting with 200 bureaux that opened just a day after World War II began. Run by volunteers, they helped with everything from lost ration books to finding missing relatives. Over the years, the service has grown and adapted to - [Volunteer & Trustee Opportunities](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/) - Make a difference in our community - volunteer with us! Citizens Advice New Forest is an independent charity specialising in confidential information and advice to assist people living within the New Forest. Enquiries are often in relation to benefits, debt, consumer, housing or energy but they can be about anything that the client may need - [Prize Draw](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/prize-draw/) - FREE PRIZE DRAW WIN Two 1-day passes to Moors Valley Country Park Prize Draw Name Name First Name First Name Last Name Last Name Email I'd like to receive email updates from Citizens Advice New Forest. I’d be interested in volunteering opportunities Submit If you are human, leave this field blank. Δ Closing date: 12 - [Meet the Team](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/staff/) - Meet the Team Meet Citizens Advice New Forest's team of dedicated staff, trustees and volunteers We are a friendly, hard-working and dedicated team. Neill Young Chief Executive Officer Read Bio James Lethbridge Head of Strategic Development Read Bio Sallie Southam Organisational Development Manager Read Bio Sandy Negrescu Advice Operations Manager Read Bio Vicki Nash Finance - [New Forest Drop In](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/new-forest-drop-in/) - Advice is free, independent, impartial and confidential Citizens Advice New Forest can help support you in a number of different ways for a wide range of issues - [Newsletter Sign Up](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/newsletter-sign-up/) - Sign Up to Our Newsletter Stay connected with Citizens Advice New Forest Helping thousands of people in our community find support, resolve problems and move forward. Every day, people in our community turn to Citizens Advice New Forest for help with issues like debt, housing, benefits, employment and rising living costs. By signing up to - [Privacy](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/privacy/) - Citizens Advice New Forest Website disclaimer, copyright and privacy Disclaimer Citizens Advice New Forest has tried to ensure that the information on this website is accurate. However, Citizens Advice New Forest will not accept liability for any loss, damage or inconvenience arising as a consequence of any use of or the inability to use any - [School Financial Inclusion Project](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/school-financial-inclusion-project/) - Projects & Partnerships School Advice Project Worried about money or need some extra support for your family? In partnership with Stronger Together Across Ringwood & Fordingbridge and Ringwood Food Bank, Citizens Advice New Forest has a dedicated Family Support Adviser, working in eight local schools across Ringwood and Fordingbridge. Our adviser offers friendly, confidential advice - [Projects and Partnerships](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/projects-and-partnerships/) - Projects & Partnerships Need expert Advice? We're here to help.At Citizens Advice New Forest, we offer a range of specialist services to support you with whatever challenges you're facing. Thanks to our work with local and national partners, we can provide free, confidential advice on a wide variety of issues. Whatever your situation, we’ll listen, - [Money Skills Project](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/money-skills-project/) - Projects & Partnerships Money Skills Project Challenge us to save you money! Through our Money Skills project, you can learn the basics of saving money and taking control of your finances. Our financial skills adviser, Neil, offers sessions that are practical, supportive and tailored to your situation. Sessions cover: Ways to maximise your income How - [Benefits Advice](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/benefits-advice/) - Are You Eligible to Claim Benefits? Check if you're getting all the benefits you're entitled to Check Which State Benefits You May Be Entitled to Claim You could be one of the 7 million people in the UK missing out on income-related state benefits - £15bn of benefits go unclaimed each year. Even if you - [Advice for Housing - Worrying about the Cost of Living](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/advice-for-housing-worrying-about-the-cost-of-living/) - Housing rent is most often the biggest cost you will have and it is important to keep up payments. Check to see if you can get help even if you claim benefits - [Advice for Health Conditions and Disability Worrying about the Cost of Living](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/advice-for-health-conditions-and-disability-worrying-about-the-cost-of-living/) - Experiencing illness or disability? Check to see if you are eligible for help from a variety of state benefits and other help locally in the New Forest. - [Advice for Pensioners Worrying About thye Cost Of Living](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/advice-for-pensioners-worrying-about-the-cost-of-living/) - Pensioners get help with cost of living you may be entitled to other benefits and be eligible even if you have some savings a retirement income or your own home - [Advice for Families with Children Worrying About the Cost Of Living](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/advice-for-families-with-children-worrying-about-the-cost-of-living/) - Over one million families with children are missing out on up to £2000 a year towards childcare costs You may be eligible for help even if you claim benefits. - [Need Help? Email Us](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/email-adviceline/) - PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT FOR EMERGENCY SUPPORT. PLEASE CALL OUR ADVICELINE ON 0808 278 7860 IF YOUR SITUATION IS MORE URGENT Before submitting your enquiry via email, please confirm you’re happy with our terms and conditions stating that we’ll collect and store the personal information you provide, but won’t share it.’ view our GDPR - [Advice for Food Costs Worrying about the Cost of Living](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/advice-for-food-costs-worrying-about-the-cost-of-living/) - Are You Struggling to Afford Food? Food costs are rising. If you are struggling to afford food there is help and advice available to you. Contact us to discuss options, which could include a referral to one of the following food banks. New Forest Basics Bank New Forest Basics Bank is an independent food bank - [Get Advice](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/contact-citizens-advice-new-forest/) - Advice is free, independent, impartial and confidential Citizens Advice New Forest can help support you in a number of different ways for a wide range of issues - [Hampshire Macmillan Advice Project](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/hampshire-macmillan-advice-project/) - Projects & Partnerships Hampshire Macmillan Advice Project Dealing with Cancer? We Can Help with Practical Support At Citizens Advice New Forest, our Macmillan adviser, Rosie, offers kind, confidential support for anyone living with cancer, their family members, or those referred by a local hospice. Rosie understands how tough things can feel and is here to - [Hampshire Debt Project & MAPS](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/hampshire-debt-project-maps/) - Managing Debt Can Feel Overwhelming, but We're Here to Help Everyone’s financial situation is different, and so is the support needed to move forward. That’s why we offer two tailored debt advice services: one for those ready to take action themselves, and another for those who need more hands-on support. Both services are free, confidential, - [Energy Awareness & Advice (CMAP)](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/energy-awareness-advice-cmap/) - Projects & Partnerships Energy Awareness & Advice Project Need help with energy bills or staying safe at home? At Citizens Advice New Forest, our energy expert Julie offers friendly, tailored advice on everything from cutting energy costs to staying safe from carbon monoxide. Julie will take the time to understand your energy situation and give - [Trussell Financial Inclusion Project](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/trussell-financial-inclusion-project/) - Projects & Partnerships Trussell Financial Inclusion Project Support to Help You Move Beyond the Food Bank Trussell has food banks across Ringwood, Fordingbridge, Verwood, and Waterside – and they’ve teamed up with Citizens Advice New Forest to offer extra help to regular food bank users. If you’re referred by one of these food banks, our - [Are You Worrying about the Cost of Living? Get Help in the New Forest Now](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/are-you-worrying-about-the-cost-of-living-get-help-in-the-new-forest-now/) - New Forest Partnership launched a campaign to help New Forest residents to cope with the cost of living crisis contact Citizens Advice New Forest to get support - [Real Stories of Change](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/real-stories-of-change/) - Real Stories of Change From Struggle to Support: Real Stories of Change with Citizens Advice New Forest Sarah's Story Sarah was struggling with debt and managing her finances. Her mental health challenges had led her to disengage from support services, leaving her feeling isolated... Recognising the complexity of Sarah's situation, our adviser referred her to - [GDPR Notice](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/email-disclaimer/) - Citizens Advice New Forest operates within the GDPR & is the Joint Data Controller with Citizens Advice which processes personal information in a secure system - [Benefits of Volunteering](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/) - Why volunteer? There are many benefits to volunteering with us: full training and support; the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge (great for a CV); the chance to meet new people from a range of backgrounds and ages; different rewarding experiences every day; the knowledge you are helping local people to help themselves. We'd - [Make a Complaint](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/complaint/) - How do I make a complaint about Citizens Advice New Forest Services? Stage one: Complain to Citizens Advice New Forest Write to the Chief Executive of Citizens Advice New Forest if you wish to complain about any service from our offices. You will receive an acknowledgment of your complaint within five working days. An investigation - [Complaint Form Request](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/complaint-form-request/) - Citizens Advice New Forest has a complaints handling procedure. Please email us using the form below to request a copy of the complaints leaflet to be either posted or emailed to you. Complaints Form Request Name * Please enter your full name Email * Message * Please let us know whether you would like the - [Advice for Water Costs – Worrying about the Cost of Living](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/advice-for-water-costs-worrying-about-the-cost-of-living/) - Worrying about Water Costs? Find free impartial advice and check if you are eligible for help from the 3 water companies that cover the New Forest - [Advice for Carers Worrying about the Cost of Living](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/advice-for-carers-worrying-about-the-cost-of-living/) - If you are provide care for someone for at least 35 hours/week and the type of care you provide meets the criteria Check your eligibility for Carers Allowance - [Advice for Energy Costs - Worrying about the Cost of Living](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/advice-for-energy-costs-worrying-about-the-cost-of-living/) - Energy costs are rising If you are struggling with energy debts or think you may get into difficulties with bills there is help & advice available to you - [Advice for Debts Worrying about the Cost of Living](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/advice-for-debts-worrying-about-the-cost-of-living/) - If you’re in debt it is better to seek advice earlier rather than later Check to see where you can get free advice to help you get free from the burden of debts - [Jobs](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/about-us/jobs/) - We are a charity providing free confidential advice to people in the New Forest We never been more in need & are seeking dedicated individuals to join our team. - [Citizens Advice New Forest needs your help](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/fundraising/citizens-advice-new-forest-needs-your-help/) - [pdf-embedder url="http://www.newforestcab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fundraising-Flyer.pdf" title="Fundraising Flyer"] ## Categories - [All Posts](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/category/all-posts/) - [News and Reports](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/category/canf-news/) - [Newsletters](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/category/newsletters/) - [Monthly Advice Column](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/category/monthly-advice-column/) - [Cost of Living Steering Group](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/category/cost-living-steering-group/) - [Blog](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/category/blog/) ## Tags - [citizens advice](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/citizens-advice/) - [new forest](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/new-forest/) - [fundraising](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/fundraising/) - [new milton](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/new-milton/) - [Co-op](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/co-op/) - [local community fund](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/local-community-fund/) - [managing money](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/managing-money/) - [monthly advice](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/monthly-advice/) - [Blog](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/blog/) - [work](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/work/) - [volunteering](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/volunteering/) - [university](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/university/) - [scam awareness](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/scam-awareness/) - [foodbank](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/foodbank/) - [food](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/food/) - [renting](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/renting/) - [radio solent](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/radio-solent/) - [consumer](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/consumer/) - [school](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/school/) - [families](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/families/) - [budgeting](https://www.newforestcab.org.uk/tag/budgeting/)