Partnership in Plymouth helps support 200 people with impartial advice

An award-winning collaboration between Citizens Advice and Yorkshire Building Society has provided assistance to over 11,900 individuals across the UK over the past four years, including almost 200 from Plymouth. This initiative has potentially unlocked more than £6.5 million in additional income for those benefiting from the advice.

In Plymouth, this partnership allows Yorkshire Building Society to host a Citizens Advice adviser at the branch, on Armada Way, one day a week. Citizens Advice offers free, impartial advice on a wide range of issues, including financial struggles, to anyone who needs it. Through this collaboration, the public can book free, confidential, hour-long appointments directly at participating branches.

Initially launched as a pilot in six branches in 2021, the programme's success, and demand for the service, have led to its expansion to over 40 percent of Yorkshire Building Society's branches. The partnership has helped people address a wide range of issues, including welfare benefits, debt, housing, and legal challenges.

Since July 2023, the Plymouth branch has assisted 199 local people through this initiative.

Susan Allen, chief executive of Yorkshire Building Society, stated: “We are incredibly proud of the positive impact this service has had on thousands of people across the UK including hundreds in Plymouth.

“Through this partnership, we’ve made impartial and independent advice from Citizens Advice more accessible in our communities, making a real impact on the lives of thousands of people nationwide.”

Emma Symonds, Director of Operations from Citizens Advice Plymouth added: "For the people we help, the cost-of-living challenges are still here. We see people come to us for advice on a wide range of issues, from housing to employment, and welfare and benefits, to name just a few.

“Our partnership with Yorkshire Building Society is crucial in bolstering the support we’re able to offer to those in need within our local communities, by providing greater access to our advisers in the heart of Plymouth.”

For more information about this innovative partnership and details of participating branches, please visit www.ybs.co.uk/citizens-advice.