There are a number of different ways that CAB advisers can help people to resolve a problem.
Advisers do not tell clients what to do, but explain their options and the possible outcomes of different courses of action. Clients are encouraged to make their own decisions and act on their own behalf. We enable clients to manage their own problems by focusing on their needs as individuals.

CAB advisers, all of whom are trained, can:

• interview clients face-to-face and by telephone to find out their problem(s);
• access our regularly updated electronic information database for up to the minute information;
• help clients to negotiate with companies or service providers such as creditors or to appeal against decisions, for example, social security benefit claims;
• write letters or phone companies and service providers on behalf of clients;
• help clients to prioritise their problems, for example, to sort out which debts are most important;
• help clients with form filling, for example, to claim social security benefits;
• represent clients in court and at tribunals;
• refer clients to CAB specialist caseworkers for complex problems or to other agencies when appropriate.

Know Your Rights

Our trained advisers provide specialist information and advice on 14 different areas of the law including consumer issues, employment legislation, social security benefits, money advice, health, housing rights and other legal matters.

The Principles of CAB Advice

Advice is provided from 30 main offices and from over 120 other outlets and is:

• free - no-one has to pay for any part of the service we provide;
• impartial - we don't judge our clients or make assumptions about them. Our service is open to everyone and we treat everyone equally;
• confidential - we won't pass on anything a client tells us or even the fact that they have visited us - without their permission;
• independent - we always act in the interests of our clients without influence from any outside bodies.

Key Facts

• The work of Citizens Advice impacts on peoples' lives in many different ways - through advice giving, campaigns, free skills training for volunteers, empowering
  individuals, increasing incomes and more.
• The constantly updated electronic information system used by our advisers is unrivalled for its breadth, depth and quality.
• The advice we give is the first in the advice sector to be audited for quality.
• Citizens Advice is a respected source of influence on both local and national policy by using evidence of our clients' problems to campaign for improvements to policies and
  services.
• We rely on volunteers to help deliver the high quality and impartial advice for which we are renowned. There are over 460 volunteers in a number of roles; as trained advisers, management committee members and administrators. Many of our volunteers move on to paid employment or full time education. If you are interested in volunteering with us contact your local CAB or visit the Volunteer section of the website.