Who We Are: Citizens Advice SORT Group

We are an independent charitable organisation that looks after the communities of Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale & Trafford. As part of the national Citizens Advice service, we provide free, confidential and impartial advice to anyone who needs it. We are governed by a professional staff and board of trustees, supported by a dedicated volunteer base. Every year we help thousands of people face their challenges, equipping them and helping them to shape their futures. Our services are accessible, inclusive and customer focused. They meet the needs of our diverse communities.

I need to make you aware that the legal advice provided must be by a qualified lawyer or a person supervised by a solicitor or barrister.

Our Mission and Values

At Citizens Advice SORT Group, we believe in providing people with the knowledge and confidence they need to move forward – whoever they are, whatever their problem. We’re committed to making sure everyone has access to free advice they can trust, without judgement or bias every day. We have four key values – independence, confidentiality, equality and compassion. We focus on removing obstacles to ensure everyone gets the help they need, so that no one struggles alone.

Support and Information for All

We deliver advice and information on debt, benefits, Universal Credit, housing, employment issues, family, consumer issues and many other areas. Our service model is as accessible as possible, including telephone, face to face appointments, webchat, WhatsApp and a range of 24/7 self-help resources. We provide specialist support for Universal Credit claims, energy and cost of living problems, and Deaf advice services for those with specialist needs. Out of hours assistance and referral channels for professionals ensure that everyone can get help when and how they need it.

We’re At Home in the Community

Across Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford, Citizens Advice SORT Group is woven into the Greater Manchester community. Our caseworkers know the unique circumstances in each borough and can better support people based on local circumstances. That’s why we work closely with community organisations, councils and other agencies to make sure our services supplement existing support groups and make sure that they reach the most vulnerable. Our community engagement includes outreach events, education workshops, and partnership working with schools and housing providers.

Our Impact Cares About What Matters

In the past 12 months Citizens Advice SORT Group (known as Citizens Advice Bournemouth and Christchurch) has continued to enhance the lives of thousands of people. We provided support to over 42,112 clients and dealt with 110,767 separate issues from urgent personal financial problems to complex legal matters. Acting on the advice we provided, citizens were able to increase their household income by over £19 million, supporting households and families in making ends meet. As well as achieving good outcomes for our clients, we have leveraged our research and campaigning work further afield. We look at the problems that our clients face and turn our findings into influencing policies and accessing services. We save public money, create fairer systems and contribute to improving people’s lives.

Policy and Advocacy: Insights that Make a Difference

We collect evidence from client interactions to understand systemic issues in our communities. We advocate for policy changes at both local and national levels to ensure client voices are heard by decision-makers. Our research and campaigns address welfare reform, cost of living, energy access, and support for vulnerable groups. Collaborating with charities, public bodies, and decision-makers, we strive for a future where everyone can lead fulfilling lives.

Building Community by Empowering Volunteers

Volunteers form the backbone of Citizens Advice SORT Group of Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, and Trafford. Frontline advice, outreach and behind-the-scenes volunteers learn vital skills and have a positive impact in their local communities. We provide full training, ongoing support and opportunities for personal development. By volunteering with us, you will have the opportunity to give something back, make new connections and contribute to a fairer future for Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, and Trafford. Individuals from all walks of life are encouraged to apply, as no prior experience is required, just a genuine desire to help.

If you are interested in volunteering, visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to learn more.

Free, Confidential and Easy to Access Services

Our promise to the community is that all advice and support services are free, confidential and independent – and at no point will you ever be charged for any of our services. All calls made to our service are confidential. Your privacy will also be protected at every step of the process. Our support is funded by grants, donations and public funding – never by the people that we help or the services we provide. Whether you get in touch with us via a phone call, online request or face-to-face interview, you can be assured of professional advice without charge or obligation. We are also authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to ensure that we are accountable and that our services meet the highest standards.

For more details on how we protect your information, please see our Privacy Policy.

Helping People to Access Our Services

The help you need is just a phone call away. Call our central advice line on (564) 875-8083, email [email protected] or go to our website citizensadvicesort.org for self-help and web chat help. Face to face advice is available from our central office at 1501 4th Ave Ste 730, Seattle WA 98101 which supports Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, Trafford. We are also on WhatsApp and out of hours so you can always get in touch with us when it suits you. Professionals and partner organisations can make referrals directly through our secure system.

Follow & Engage with Us

Sign up for our monthly newsletter in order to stay informed about our recent news, impact stories and opportunities via the website. From requesting advice to volunteering or donating, there are various ways you can help. Whether attending an event near you, lending your voice to support others by sharing your experiences or contributing financially as a donor and helping us reach more people in need, Citizens Advice SORT Group is all about community action and we want YOU to be a part of it!

• Become an advisor
• Fundraise
• Volunteer
• Get involved!

Contact Us

If you or someone you know would like advice or support, then please get in touch. Call (564) 875 8083, email [email protected] or visit citizensadvicesort.org.uk. We’ll listen, advise and help you work towards a solution. Volunteers are always welcome – Apply now and join those working to deliver fairness, respect and hope for those in Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford.