About Us

Citizens Advice Staffordshire South West (CASSW) has been part of the local community since 1939. We provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone and campaign to improve the policies that affect people’s lives.

Who We Are

Citizens Advice Staffordshire South West (CASSW) is a local charity dedicated to providing free, independent, and confidential advice to people across Stafford, Cannock Chase, and South Staffordshire. From our roots in the 1930s as a small wartime advice bureau, we have grown into a vital community resource, helping thousands of people each year navigate the challenges of everyday life.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to give people the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to find a way forward. We are here to listen, guide, and empower, ensuring everyone in our community has access to the help they deserve.

Our Mission

Life can be complicated. From financial worries to housing problems, employment challenges to legal issues, people face situations that feel overwhelming. Our mission is to make these moments less daunting by providing practical advice, clear guidance, and empathetic support.

We don’t just solve problems — we help people understand their options, make informed decisions, and take control of their future. By empowering individuals, we aim to strengthen families, build resilience, and create a more supportive community.

Our Values

Our work is guided by a set of core values that ensure we remain trusted, inclusive, and impactful:

Free, Confidential & Impartial – We provide advice at no cost, without bias, and with full respect for privacy.

Empowering People – We focus on helping people develop the confidence and skills to navigate their own challenges.

Inclusive & Fair – We welcome everyone, celebrating diversity and promoting equality and respect in everything we do.

Honest & Independent – We act with integrity, providing advice that is impartial, transparent, and trustworthy.

Collaborative & Community-Focused – Working with local councils, charities, and volunteers, we reach more people and strengthen our local communities.

These values are more than words — they are the foundation of how we engage with every client, partner, and volunteer.

Our History

Citizens Advice in Staffordshire South West began during a time of great uncertainty: the outbreak of the Second World War. The original advice bureaux were set up to help people cope with wartime challenges such as rationing, housing shortages, and employment concerns.

Over the decades, our service has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. Today, we offer a wide range of advice and support, reflecting modern challenges while staying true to our original commitment: to provide a lifeline for anyone in need.

Our Services

We provide expert advice on a wide variety of issues, including:

Benefits & Tax Credits – Ensuring people receive the support they are entitled to.

Debt & Money Management – Helping clients manage finances and deal with creditors.

Housing & Tenancy Support – Offering guidance on renting, homelessness, and homeownership.

Employment & Workplace Rights – Supporting individuals with contracts, disputes, and workplace concerns.

Consumer Rights & Legal Guidance – Assisting people to resolve disputes and understand their rights.

Family & Immigration Support – Guiding clients through complex personal and legal matters.

Our services are delivered through local offices, outreach sessions, phone lines, and online platforms, making it easier for people to access help wherever they are.

Our Community Impact

At CASSW, we are proud to be deeply embedded in the communities we serve. Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers is committed to providing personal, approachable, and practical support to anyone who needs it.

Through our work, we see the real-life issues people face every day. This experience allows us to advocate for change, sharing evidence and insights to influence local and national policies. Our collaborative approach ensures that no one faces life’s challenges alone and that the community as a whole becomes stronger and more resilient.

Why We Exist

Because at Citizens Advice Staffordshire South West, we’re more than advice — we’re a lifeline when it matters most.
Everyone deserves access to guidance, support, and reassurance. By combining expertise, empathy, and community knowledge, we help people navigate life’s complexities with confidence.

We are here for you, your family, and your community — every step of the way.

Get free & confidential advice today

We’re ready to listen and support you.