Residents living across Weardale are set to benefit from access to free, independent advice as
Citizens Advice County Durham continues to deliver its Rural Advice Service throughout the
dale.
The service is designed to support people living in more isolated and rural communities, where
access to advice can be limited by distance, transport challenges, or digital connectivity. By
offering flexible support – including outreach sessions, home visits, and remote advice – the
Rural Advice Service helps ensure that no one is left without the support they need.
The initiative is funded by the Weardale Local Network, through the Welfare Assistance Fund,
whose backing has enabled Citizens Advice County Durham to reach more communities across
the area and provide vital assistance on issues such as debt, benefits, housing, energy costs
and employment.
Citizens Advice already provides support to residents through a range of channels, including
face-to-face, telephone and online services, ensuring that people can access help in a way that
suits their individual circumstances.
The expansion of the Rural Advice Service builds on existing work to bring advice closer to local
communities, particularly in areas where travel and infrastructure can make accessing central
services more difficult.
Edward Pickering, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice County Durham, said:
“We are really pleased to be able to expand our advice services in the Weardale area. The Rural
Advice Service allows us to reach people who might otherwise struggle to access support,
ensuring that help is available wherever it’s needed.
Thanks to the support from the Weardale Local Network, we can continue to make a real
difference to individuals and families across the dale.”
The service will continue to visit community venues across Weardale in the coming months,
helping residents to access free, confidential and impartial advice closer to home.
Anyone needing support can contact Citizens Advice County Durham for more information
about how to access the Rural Advice Service or to find out when it will next be visiting their
area. More details are available from https://www.citizensadvicecd.org.uk/
