CALLS to Citizens Advice Winchester District are now free of charge thanks to the launch of a new Freephone number (0808 278 7861).

Making calls completely free has always been an ambition for Citizens Advice services across the country but it represents a significant long-term investment.

However, funding awarded to Citizens Advice nationally to deal with the increased demand for advice as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, has meant that Citizens Advice Winchester District is one of first local services to benefit from a new Freephone number.

The 0808 278 7861 number will be staffed Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm by a team of trained local volunteer advisers. Clients will also be able to leave a message if the advice team are all dealing with other calls.

Lesley Rose, advice services manager at Citizens Advice Winchester District said: “We’re so excited that calls to our service are now completely free of charge. Our telephone advice service has always been an important part of our advice delivery but none more so than during the current coronavirus pandemic. It means our service is now completely accessible to everyone within the local community.”

Despite having to suspend their face-to-face services, Citizens Advice Winchester District has continued to deliver advice to thousands of people throughout the pandemic by phone and email. The local charity has seen a significant increase in the number of people contacting them for advice particularly with issues relating to employment, housing and benefits applications.

If you need advice, call Citizens Advice Winchester District on 0808 278 7861 or email advice@cawinchesterdistrict.org.uk.