Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) are staffed by dedicated teams of paid staff and volunteers and are open to serve all local people who require advice.

The advice offered is:

Free - the service provided is free
Confidential - nothing learned by the bureau from enquirers, including the facts of their visit, will be passed on to anyone outside the service without their express permission
Impartial - the service is open to everybody, regardless of race, gender, disability and to lesbians, gay men and those living with HIV/AIDS. Advice is given without preconceived attitudes
Independent - they are able to offer impartial advice on any matter

Clients' most common problems generally relate to benefits, employment, debt, housing, consumer affairs and family relationships.

How can the CAB help you manage your debt?

If you are struggling to pay your bills or have received any court papers or letters that seem urgent,you should not delay in contacting your local bureau. You may need to act quickly so you should not delay contacting the Bureau, who can:

Identify your priority debts
Check you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to
Help you restructure your finances
Negotiate with your creditors or
Negotiate a repayment programme

Advice can also be found online on the Advice guide website (opens in a new window)

For more information visit the Citizens Advice Bureau website (opens in a new window)

Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau

Bridport Citizens Advice Bureau

Address: 45 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY

Telephone: 0844 2451291

Christchurch Citizens Advice Bureau

Address: 2 Sopers Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1JG

Telephone: 0844 2451291 - Advice line

Website: Christchurch Citizens Advice Bureau (opens in a new window)

You can phone the Christchurch Citizens Advice Bureau advice line for help. You will have a short phone assessment interview to determine the best way they can help you. You may be offered information, or in more complex matters, an appointment can be arranged for you to call at the bureau.

Dorchester and District Citizens Advice Bureau

Address: 1 Acland Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1JW

Telephone: 0844 2451291

Website: Dorchester Citizens Advice Bureau (opens in a new window)

The bureau also offer advice sessions in some villages such as Maiden Newton, Cerne Abbas, Bere Regis, Puddletown and Crossways

East Dorset Citizens Advice Bureau

Wimborne Address: Hanham Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1AS.

Wimborne Telephone: 0844 2451291.

Ferndown Address: 1A Princes Court, Princes Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9JG.

Ferndown Telephone: 0844 2451291.

Website: East Dorset Citizens Advice Bureau (opens in a new window)

The bureau also offers outreach offices in Cranborne and Verwood GP surgeries, Verwood Library, and Heatherlands Community Centre.

North Dorset Citizen's Advice Bureau

Address: 4-7 Newbury Court, High St, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QX

Telephone: 0844 2451291

We provide face to face and telephone advice from our main outlet at Gillingham, as well as several outreaches at Blandford, Shaftesbury, and Sturminster Newton. A brief initial assessment of your issue may lead to an appointment where things can be looked at in more detail.