Citizens Advice Bristol helps 1,000 more people in past year as  cost of living pressures deepens

Citizens Advice Bristol has released its 2024-25 Impact Report, showing a significant rise in demand as people across the city continue to face increasing financial strain, rising energy costs, and housing challenges.
Over the past 12 months the charity supported 5,499 people – a rise of 1,000 – and addressed 29,557 issues ranging from benefits and debt to employment and housing.
The findings were presented at its Annual General Meeting on Nov 26 th at The Station in central Bristol, attended by the West of England Mayor Helen Godwin, Bristol City Council Leader Councillor Tony Dyer, and hosted by Citizens Advice Bristol Chief Executive Jon Shoesmith.
The report shows that need is growing and cases are becoming more complex. Clients now require an average of six contacts to fully resolve their issues – with one client this year requiring 113 individual contacts.
Citizens Advice Bristol also delivered 2,467 face-to-face appointments following the successful full reopening of in person advice services.
And demand has risen across all channels including face to face, telephone calls, and online advice.
Using a Treasury approved model, the charity generated significant public value including £2.67m in direct savings to government and public services, £17.7m in wider economic benefits, and £12.7m in direct financial gains for clients.
The service also helped prevent homelessness, saving local government an estimated £329,979 over the past year.
Volunteers remain essential to deliver with 67 trained volunteers contributing an estimated £475,494 of value alone.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “It was wonderful to be at the Citizens Advice Bristol AGM and to see so many colleagues and partners who are deeply committed to the advice sector and to supporting people across our city and region.
The numbers in the Impact Report are staggering. Thousands of people are better off, thanks to Citizens Advice Bristol and partners. Our advice and voluntary sector helps put food in the fridge, money in the meter, and helping keep a roof over people’s heads.

“As we work together not just in Bristol but across the West, this impact report shows
what is possible.”
Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council said: “This report demonstrates the important support that Citizens Advice Bristol continue to offer to residents across Bristol.

“It was fantastic to hear more about their ongoing work at today’s AGM, and as their research shows, their hard work continues to have a significant, positive impact on communities across the city.

“We look forward to continuing working with Citizens Advice Bristol to create an equitable Bristol that enables everyone to be safe, well, and thrive.”
Jon Shoesmith, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Bristol said: “Our AGM showcased how partnership working is delivering for our city.
“We have a lot to be proud of. In the past year we have also modernised and created efficiencies, which will continue to add value.
“By bringing in new technology systems which are improving efficiency and freeing up more time for our advisers to focus on what matters most – supporting people.
“Restoring our much-needed face-to-face services and our partnership with Mind shows what is possible when organisations work together to provide joined-up support for residents facing complex challenges.
“None of this would happen without the support of our funders and partners, who enable us to keep delivering vital services across the city. We’re deeply grateful for their continued commitment to our work and to the people of Bristol.”