Citizens Advice celebrates 85 years in the community

Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell celebrates 85 years in the community, by your side 

As Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell published its Annual Report 2023/24 yesterday (4 September 2024), the community service at the heart of Epsom & Ewell celebrated 85 years of supporting local people. 

Lisa Davis, CEO of Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell, said: 

“Citizens Advice was set up on the 4th of September 1939, just after the start of WW2. This was no coincidence, but a response to wartime demands never seen before in our history. Mass evacuations, bombing raids, missing loved ones, and food-rationing all faced the citizens of Epsom & Ewell. 

“In times like these, people need reassurance, support, and action. At first, Citizens Advice’s role was to act as a switchboard, referring people to the government department the particular difficulty applied to. 

“However, very soon Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell rose to the challenge and took up the mantle as a one-stop shop for citizens’ every concern. This legacy lives on – there is no issue, no person, no situation turned away by the Citizens Advice. For 85 years, we’ve been by the side of communities in landmark historical moments providing advice for those that need it. 

“Whilst our core role may have changed since the days of WW2, we remain a beacon of hope for the local community. No matter the adversity, we approach it with empathy, professionalism, and selflessness. The parallels in the selflessness of our staff and volunteers in the 1940s and today are clear. 

“After the war, we were crucial in rehousing refugees, evacuees, and returning Epsom & Ewell back to a new post-War society. After the recent lockdown, we stepped out of our homes into a post-pandemic society and a changed world. Citizens Advice has been the first port of call for many of those who have struggled mentally over the pandemic, had been put out of work, found themselves in debt or just did not know where to turn. Times may change, but Citizens Advice’s consistent support does not.”