Crawley Citizens Advice Bureau

About Us

CAB small logo

Who Are We ?

The CAB Service is independent and provides free, confidential and impartial advice to everybody regardless of race, sex, disability, sexuality or nationality. It is the largest advice-giving network in the UK, with over 2,000 outlets and 22,000 volunteers. We help people deal with nearly six million problems every year, in bureaux, by phone and email, at outreach sessions in places like GP surgeries and courts – even in people’s homes. Our clients and volunteers come from all walks of life. We are committed to providing an independent advice service, and volunteering opportunities, to the whole community.

Bureaux act as a one-stop-shop for clients.Advisers provide up to date advice and information using our unique electronic information system, link clients up with other services and agencies, help write letters and complete forms, negotiate with creditors,make phone calls on clients’ behalf and represent them at tribunals.

The problems we are most often asked about concern employment, debt, housing or benefits, but we will help people who come to us with any enquiry including consumer rights, legal matters and immigration. Advisers don’t tell clients what to do, but explain their options and the possible outcomes of different courses of action. Clients are encouraged to make their own decisions and act on their own behalf. We enable clients to manage their own problems by focusing on their needs as individuals.

The CAB Service is based on four principles. It is:

  • Independent – We will always act in the interests of our clients, without influence from any outside bodies
  • Impartial – We don’t judge our clients or make assumptions about them. Our service is open to everyone, and we treat everyone equally
  • Confidential – We won’t pass on anything a client tells us – or even the fact that they’ve visited us – without their permission
  • Free – No-one has to pay for any part of the service we provide

Putting these principles into action enables us to provide a vital service to the millions of people who turn to us for help each year.

Read our Community Profile 2008 report to find out more about the Crawley community and see what we base our advice needs analysis upon each year.

©2007 Crawley Citizens Advice Bureau