North Tyneside Citizens Advice celebrates its 80th anniversary
North Tyneside Citizens Advice is marking 80 years of providing free, independent advice both national and locally.
Citizens Advice was founded on 4 September 1939 – the day after World War II was declared. In North Tyneside, branches opened in Bishopsgate House in North Shields and at the Congregational Church in Whitley Bay later that same month, helping local residents with ‘gas-mask worries, work problems or difficulties connected with men-folk away on active service,’ among many other issues*.
Since then, the service has become a trusted household name. Last year it helped 2.7 million people across England and Wales (including 15,054 people in North Tyneside) in person, by phone, email or web chat.
80th anniversary celebrations will be taking place across England and Wales throughout the year.
Mark Almond, Chief Officer of North Tyneside Citizens Advice, said:
“Our advice changes lives because we are constantly adapting to the challenges people face, from broadband bills to Universal Credit. Whatever the problem, our amazing staff and volunteers do all they can to help people find their way forward. We are here for everyone and we will continue to help make things better.”
*Shields Evening News, 18th September 1939
