Our Impact

Citizens Advice Croydon is often the first port of call, or last resort, for residents struggling in a cost-of-living crisis that can affect physical and mental health, as well as economic wellbeing.

We’re here for residents in every ward in the Borough, and are fully integrated in Croydon’s local service landscape.

We are a trusted, recognised AQS and FCA accredited advice provider in the Borough, supporting residents with a range of legal and consumer issues:
• Welfare benefits
• Debt and money
• Housing
• Immigration
• Employment
• Health & care

Making A Difference To People’s Lives – Last year we supported Croydon residents with over 26,000 queries. Our holistic advice, and effective collaboration with local statutory and VCSE organisations, brings real, measurable benefits to our clients and to local communities. We have estimated £10,696,639 in public value of improving clients wellbeing.

We support the most vulnerable in society

74% have a disability or long-term health problem.
14% need emergency support, including foodbank vouchers.
Our clients face financial and legal challenges impacting health.

We provide holistic advice and support

Our advice projects, supported by Trust for London, Macmillan, and the GLA, take a whole-person approach to meeting residents’ needs.

We improve wellbeing outcomes

Our advice reduces stress and improves community involvement.
70% felt less stressed and less likely to need health or mental health support.

We achieve financial gains for Croydon

For every £1 spent:
£25.33 in public benefits, £14.62 in client financial outcomes, £4.27 savings for public services.

Jon’s Story

Jon lives alone and is unable to work due to visual impairment, caused by delayed treatment of his cataracts in the aftermath of the pandemic. Unable to read the paperwork on his own, he is struggling to manage his bills and has accrued multiple debts, including Council Tax arrears.

Jon was referred to us by Age UK via our Direct Referral Service to take control of the situation.

With the help of our expert team of debt and benefits advisers, Jon successfully applied for a Breathing Space on outstanding debts, increased his income by nearly £400 per month in additional Universal Credit payments he was entitled to, and £5,000 in one-off grants and payments.

Jon is now managing his bills within an increased monthly income, reducing his debt and avoiding risk to his home. He’s now reporting significantly reduced stress and improved mental health and wellbeing.