Citizens Advice South Hams launches exciting new video advice service

Citizens Advice South Hams are launching their new Advice Via Video service which
enables clients to contact an advisor from the comfort of their own home. The new
channel, which can be accessed from the charity’s website, is just like face-to-face but
without the hassle of travelling to a Citizens Advice office. The charity hopes this will
make it easier for people from across South Hams to get advice when they need it.

“We are incredibly excited to be able to offer this new service for our clients,” says
Teena Barrett, Operations Manager at Citizens Advice South Hams. “It will mean clients
can speak to one of our trained advisers from wherever they are.”

“The link from our website takes clients into a virtual waiting room, where they will then
be connected to an advisor. It’s completely secure and requires no data to be stored.”

Advice Via Video uses a secure internet conferencing platform similar to Skype or
Facetime. Just like other Citizens Advice services it is completely free to use. Privacy is
maintained as each client is given their own private video room which only advisors can
enter.

Janie Moor, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice South Hams says, “This new way of
contacting us is particularly aimed at those in remote and rural locations across the
South Hams who would previously have struggled to travel to a face-to-face
appointment. We know that many people needing our help face complex situations,
and our video service is designed to provide the same approach as face-to-face but
without the need to travel.

Advice Via Video does not replace the charity’s existing access points but adds a new
way for people to contact them.

“It is essential that our service is as accessible as possible as we begin to emerge from
the pandemic, continues Janie Moor. “Advice Via Video is simple, convenient and as easy
as making a phone call, but with the added benefits of face-to-face communication. If
you have any kind of worry or issue at all, jump onto our website, click on the Advice Via
Video link and an adviser will speak to you as soon as they are available. It’s that easy.”

Citizens Advice offers free, confidential, and impartial advice to anyone on issues such
as debt, benefits, employment, housing, and health. Advice Via Video is available as a
virtual drop-in service between 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Alternatively, you can see an advisor in person at one of the outreaches in Totnes, Kingsbridge, Dartmouth, and Ivybridge set to re-open by mid-June, email them via the
website or call 0808 278 7948.

To access Advice Via Video or for more information about Citizens Advice South Hams
visit their website www.southhamscab.org.uk.