A partnership service, targeting Armed Forces veterans and their loved-ones from across Wales and England, is providing access to digital advice tailored to a family’s specific needs.
The project is being delivered by Citizens Advice Caerphilly Blaenau Gwent (CACBG) and Citizens Advice Cardiff and Vale (CACV). We provide comprehensive, tailored and practical advice to help the whole family access the right help at the right time.
A Royal British Legion study found 6% of UK veterans reported unmanageable debt, compared to 4% of the general population, and 10% of veterans had used payday loans, double the rate of non-veterans. The Journal of Veterans Studies showed that veterans experience financial and housing insecurities. Across the UK the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that 32.1% of veterans live with a disability.
Head of Digital Operations Lisa McLain said CACBG have been working closely with the Caerphilly Veterans Hub for more than four years, providing a monthly drop-in service.
She said: “The project builds on the lessons we have learned from this work and will be delivered nationally from our Caerphilly Contact Centre. We have experience of helping veterans and understand that the challenges they face extend to their families. Their loved-ones shoulder the burden of managing the rising cost of living, household finances and caring responsibilities. This places significant financial strain on households.
“Our trained advisers support the whole family unit with all of their advice needs, such as welfare benefits, debt, housing, and employment. This multi-advice channel model of service is proven to work. For every £1 invested into our services, we put £14.75 into the hands of the people we help.”
The service is available from 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
