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About Us                                                                       

  • Introducing the Bureau
  • What we do?
  • Who can use the Bureau?
  • What happens when I arrive at the Bureau main offices?
  • How does the Bureau provide it's services?
  • How soon can I get access to services?
  • What happens when I arrive at an outreach location?
  • Are there facilities for disabled people?
  • When I visit the Bureau, may I bring my children with me?
  • What if I need an interpretor?
  • How can I let you know how I feel about your services?
  • How can I contribute finacially to the Bureau?

Introducing the Bureau

Established in 1967, the Bureau is a registered charity and a
company limited by guarantee. We offer information and advice
free of charge to anyone through face to face and telephone
services. Advice is also offered via Advice Guide.
We advise on a wide range of topics. In some cases we may also
offer practical assistance and advocacy, such as form filling, or
help with preparing a household budget or representation
at a tribunal.

What we do?

Our services include:
INFORMING people about the law and how it affects them;
regarding their rights, responsibilitis and entitlements.

ADVISING people on the options available to them and on the
potential consequences of different courses of action.

SUPPORTING people as they consider and decide what to do.
Listening to their concerns and helping them move forward.

ASSISTING people in pursuing their chosen course of action by
negotiation, representation and by referrel to other sources of
help when needed.

INFLUENCING those responsible for policies and services by
bringing to their notice the problems people experience and
recommending changes.

Who can use the Bureau?

The service is non-judgemental, offering assistance as appropriate
to anyone who calls regardless of age, social class, race, religion,
disability or sexuality. Our service is open to individuals, groups 
and business.

What happens when I arrive at the Bureau main offices?

We offer an initial short interview, known as a Gateway
assessment. We will help to identify the best next }
step for you. This could be an appointment with one of our
generalist or specialist aadvisers, directions to another more
suitable organisation or access to relevant information resources.
You can drop in during these times Contact Us.
There may be a queue of people ahead of you, though we try to
ensure that your wait will not be long.

All our main offices are accessible to people with disabilities.

How does the Bureau provide it's services?

By means of advice workers and Gateway assessors, all of
whom are professionally trained to provide an accurate quality
service and to be supportive to clients. Most are volunteers,
they are equipped with an extensive information library with the
most up to date information and back up management and
consultancy service.

We also try to keep people informed by means of CAB information
leaflets, the local media and talks to groups in the community.

How soon can I get access to services?

When you use the drop-in service you will be seen the same day
by one of our Gateway assessors. Waiting times vary, but average
about 45 minutes, although there are occasions when we are very
busy in which case you may have a longer wait. If an appointment
is needed these are mostly booked within 10 working days. Our
telephone lines are often very busy so you may find that you need
to ring us several times to get through to a Gateway assessor.

What happens when I arrive at an outreach location?

When you arrive with an appointment you will need to report to a
receptionist or other staff member at the Outreach Location. You
will be directed to the adviser on duty. If you are using the drop-in
service again report to a receptionist. You will be told where to wait
if the adviser is busy.

Are there facilities for disabled people?

All our main offices are accessible to wheelchair users. Most other
Outreach Venues are accessible to wheelchair users, except the
service at Reepham. Hellesdon Medical Centre has no lift available
so please mention when arranging your appointment that you would
like disabled access and this can be arranged.

Disabled parking is available for all of the outreach venues.

When I visit the Bureau, may I bring my children with me?

Children are welcome at the Bureau so long as they are supervised.
Books and toys are provided for them.

What if I need an interpretor?

We may be able to provide you with an adviser or Gateway
assessor who speaks your language.

How can I let you know how I feel about your services?

Once you've been advised or assessed, it would help us if you could let us know how
you got on. If you found our service helpful, we would very much like to know. We would
be pleased if you could write to us, or complete one of our Client Feedback survey forms
availble in each interview room. You can also use the Feedback Page of this website.

How can I contribute finacially to the Bureau?

Our service is free but we always appreciate any financial contribution
to the Bureau however small. Please visit the Fundraising Page
for more information.