Everything we do - and the way we work - benefits individuals and society

Wendy Carlyle reports on work within the Research and Campaigns team.

At Citizens Advice Portsmouth, everything we do - and the way we work - benefits both individuals and society as a whole. Our Research and Campaigns team plays a crucial role in this mission, working to identify systemic issues and advocate for positive change that helps not just our clients, but everyone in our community.

What is Research and Campaigns?

Research and Campaigns is a vital part of Citizens Advice Portsmouth's work that goes beyond individual casework. While our advisers help people with their immediate problems, our Research and Campaigns team looks at the bigger picture to identify patterns, trends, and systemic issues that affect many people in our community.

How we identify issues:

• Data analysis: We analyze the problems our clients bring to us to identify common themes
• Trend monitoring: We track changes in the types of issues people face over time
• Impact assessment: We measure the effectiveness of our advice and identify gaps in support
• Community feedback: We listen to what our clients and community tell us about their experiences
• Policy monitoring: We track changes in government policy and legislation that affect our clients

What we campaign for:

Policy changes:

• Improvements to benefits and social security systems
• Better protection for consumers and workers
• Reforms to housing and tenancy laws
• Changes to debt collection and enforcement practices
• Improvements to public services and support systems

Service improvements:

• Better access to advice and support services
• Improved communication from government departments
• More user-friendly application processes
• Better support for vulnerable people
• Reduced waiting times and bureaucracy

Rights and protections:

• Stronger consumer rights and protections
• Better employment rights and workplace protections
• Improved housing standards and tenant rights
• Better support for people with disabilities
• Stronger protections against discrimination and unfair treatment

How we make a difference:

Evidence-based advocacy:

• We collect real stories and data from our clients
• We present compelling evidence to decision-makers
• We work with other organizations to amplify our voice
• We use our expertise to influence policy and practice
• We hold decision-makers to account for their actions

Collaborative working:

• We work with other Citizens Advice offices across the country
• We partner with local and national organizations
• We engage with government departments and agencies
• We work with MPs, councillors, and other elected representatives
• We collaborate with academic institutions and think tanks

Public awareness:

• We raise awareness of important issues in our community
• We educate people about their rights and entitlements
• We challenge misconceptions and stereotypes
• We promote positive change and social justice
• We celebrate successes and achievements

Recent campaigns and achievements:

Cost of living support:

• Campaigning for better support for people struggling with rising costs
• Advocating for improved benefits and financial assistance
• Working to ensure people can access the help they need
• Challenging unfair practices and hidden charges
• Promoting financial literacy and money management skills

Housing improvements:

• Campaigning for better housing standards and tenant rights
• Advocating for more affordable housing in our area
• Working to improve the private rental sector
• Challenging unfair eviction practices
• Promoting better support for homeless people

Employment rights:

• Campaigning for better employment rights and protections
• Advocating for fair pay and working conditions
• Working to improve support for people with disabilities in the workplace
• Challenging discrimination and unfair treatment
• Promoting better training and development opportunities

Consumer protection:

• Campaigning for stronger consumer rights and protections
• Advocating for better regulation of financial services
• Working to improve support for people in debt
• Challenging unfair practices and hidden charges
• Promoting better financial education and awareness

How our work benefits individuals:

Immediate help:

• We help people solve their immediate problems
• We provide practical advice and support
• We help people access the services they need
• We support people through difficult times
• We give people hope and confidence for the future

Long-term impact:

• We help people build better lives for themselves and their families
• We support people to become more independent and self-sufficient
• We help people develop new skills and knowledge
• We support people to make positive changes in their lives
• We give people the tools they need to help themselves

How our work benefits society:

Systemic change:

• We identify and address the root causes of problems
• We work to improve systems and services for everyone
• We promote fairness and social justice
• We help create a more equal and inclusive society
• We support the most vulnerable members of our community

Economic benefits:

• We help people access the financial support they're entitled to
• We support people to find and keep employment
• We help people manage their finances better
• We reduce the burden on public services
• We contribute to a stronger local economy

Social benefits:

• We help build stronger, more resilient communities
• We promote social cohesion and inclusion
• We support people to participate fully in society
• We help reduce inequality and disadvantage
• We create a more just and fair society for everyone

How you can get involved:

Share your story:

• Tell us about your experiences and challenges
• Help us understand the issues that affect you
• Share your ideas for improving services and support
• Help us identify new problems and trends
• Support our campaigns and advocacy work

Stay informed:

• Follow our news and updates
• Read our research reports and publications
• Attend our events and meetings
• Join our mailing list for regular updates
• Follow us on social media

Support our work:

• Make a donation to help us continue our work
• Volunteer your time and skills
• Spread the word about our services
• Share our campaigns and messages
• Help us reach more people in our community

Looking to the future:

As we look to the future, we remain committed to our mission of helping people solve their problems and improving society for everyone. Our Research and Campaigns work will continue to be a vital part of this mission, ensuring that we not only help individuals but also work to create a better world for all.

Contact us:

If you have a story to share, an issue to raise, or want to get involved in our Research and Campaigns work, please contact us:

• Call us on 02394 006600
• Email us with your query
• Visit our office during opening hours
• Use our online contact form

Together, we can continue to make a real difference in our community and beyond.