Citizens Advice Ipswich secures National Lottery funding

Citizens Advice Ipswich has been awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund after securing more than £1m for clients last year.

The charity helps people, particularly those with health conditions, secure any welfare benefits they may be eligible for as well as other financial advice.

From January to December 2023, the hard work of the team resulted in £1,263,885 in increased income for 600 clients.

The branch’s chief executive Nicky Willshere said the team were incredibly grateful for the support.

The donation will help the team continue their work for the next five years.

Nicky said: “Our team supports a vulnerable and growing client group.

“Without this funding, we couldn't offer this help to the people who really need it.

“So many people, especially those with health conditions, struggle to navigate the welfare benefits system and our expert advisers are able to lighten the emotional load along the way.”

The effect the team’s assistance has on clients is not just financial.

One client, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I had an enormous amount of stress taken off my shoulders.

“I could not have moved forward without the help I received from the adviser. He is a true asset.”

Dan Barnett, a specialist welfare benefits advisor, said the impact the Covid-19 had on people’s mental health and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continue to increase the demand for advice on how to navigate the welfare system.

He added: “The changes to the Welfare Benefits criteria to give greater weight to mental health issues has also resulted in far more enquiries on claiming benefits.

“Many households are struggling and hope that our support to claim the welfare benefits that they are entitled to will help them become more financially stable.”