Citizens Advice Hillingdon's Connected Communities team recently held a drop-in advice session at Oak Farm Library, supporting 33 residents in a single day, a clear sign of just how much this kind of outreach is needed across the borough.
Enquiries ranged from benefits (entitlement checks, form filling, and challenging decisions) to community care, financial hardship (grants, benefit checks and foodbank vouchers), consumer debt, neighbour disputes, and family and housing legal matters. Where appropriate, the team made onward referrals to partner organisations including Age UK, Workwell, PALS and DASH, so residents always had a next step once immediate advice had been given.
Sessions like this reflect a wider picture in Hillingdon: demand for advice is rising, often driven by overlapping pressures, the cost of living, housing insecurity, and complex benefits decisions, that can leave people unsure where to turn. Bringing advice directly into local libraries and community spaces removes barriers for people who might otherwise struggle to access support, particularly older residents and those less confident navigating services digitally.
Feedback from the session reinforced the demand for regular face-to-face drop-in availability, hands-on digital support for older residents, and continued access to language volunteers, all shaping how future outreach is delivered.
This work is only possible with ongoing support. If you'd like to help Citizens Advice Hillingdon continue reaching people where they are, you can find out how to donate here: https://www.hillingdoncab.org.uk/support-us/donations/
Acknowledgements
With thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund – Awards for All for supporting this work and helping us empower residents through free advice, information, and community support opportunities. Thank you also to Oak farm Library.
Share this post: