Citizens Advice SORT Group Ltd

Services Offered

The Full Spectrum of Services for Any Issue

At Citizens Advice SORT Group Ltd, we believe that everyone should be able to access free, confidential and impartial advice whatever their situation and whoever they are. Based in Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford, our aim is to help people and families have more knowledge and help them move forward. Each year, our trained team supports thousands of people with a variety of issues, from everyday concerns to life-changing events. You’ll find more information below about what services we deliver, where you can receive support from us, and details of how you can volunteer with us to help make a difference within your community.

Guidance and Support on Any Matter

We provide free, high-quality advice on almost any problem you might have. From your first visit, our trained advisers will help you understand your options and how to move forward. We can offer help if you’re having problems with:

  • Benefits and Universal Credit
  • Debt and money issues
  • Housing and homelessness
  • Work issues and employment rights
  • Family, relationships and personal issues
  • Consumer issues and scams
  • Immigration and residence issues
  • Health and social care
  • Legal issues

We always offer confidential, impartial advice tailored to your circumstances. If your issue is complex or outside our scope, we’ll make sure to direct you to other relevant specialists or partner organisations. For a full overview, visit our Services Offered page.

Access Advice Your Way

We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, so we’ll make it as simple and straightforward as possible for you to get the support you require. Just select the contact method that suits you best:

  • Telephone advice: Talk to an adviser by calling our single advice line on (564) 875-8083.
  • Face-to-face appointments: Our local offices cover Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford. We offer appointments at times and places that suit you, including evenings and weekends for those who need it.
  • Online support: Access real-time support via our web chat and WhatsApp facilities. You can also find self-help online resources anytime at citizensadvicesort.org.
  • Email queries: Ask questions or book an appointment by emailing [email protected].
  • Self-help resources: Access guides, self-help tools, and calculators via our website and resolve issues yourself at times convenient to you.

Whatever method you choose, you will get the same high level of care and professionalism. For more ways to get in touch, see our Contact Us page.

Tailored Services for Complex Matters

Some challenges need specialist support. Our advisers include specialists in the following areas:

  • Universal Credit support: From initial claiming through to payment delays and troubleshooting appeals, our advisers will guide you through it all.
  • Energy advice projects: Helping you manage energy bills and supplier switches; grants and energy efficiency-these services are critically important as the cost of living increases.
  • Deaf advice services: We provide Deaf clients with dedicated appointments, British Sign Language (BSL), and adjusted communications-ensuring equitable access to the same support as everyone else.
  • Out-of-hours support: Not all challenges occur between 9am and 5pm, so we offer sessions in the evening and at weekends.

Support for Professionals and Partner Agencies

We work collaboratively with local authorities, hospitals, social landlords and other local community organisations to make sure no one slips through the net, providing:

  • Dedicated referral pathways for fast, confidential advice
  • Training and information workshops for teams
  • Regular updates on changes to benefits, housing law and local support issues

The dedicated Referral Team responds quickly to make sure clients receive the right support at the right time. Please contact us regarding partnership or referral queries at [email protected].

Community Engagement, Volunteering and Advocacy

The Citizens Advice SORT Group is powered by people who live and work in the area. Volunteers play a vital role within our group-providing advice, helping us run our services, involving people and influencing the development of our services. It doesn’t matter if you want to learn new skills, use your skills to help others, or want to get involved in your local area-we want you as part of our team. What we offer:

  • Full training and ongoing support
  • Flexible volunteering opportunities to match your interests and time available
  • Volunteering opportunities in advice, admin, research and campaigns or one-off special projects
  • A welcoming, friendly environment where we value everyone’s contribution

Volunteering is strictly unpaid, but you’ll get great experience, meet new people and make a difference to the lives of people in your local community.

If you’re interested in volunteering, learn more on our Volunteer Opportunities page.

Research, Campaigns, Policy and Advocacy

Our work doesn’t end with giving individual advice. We look at the data trends for the many thousands of people we help every year, listen for patterns and systemic issues affecting our communities. We use this information to demand fairer policies and better public services-locally and nationally.

Current campaigns include:

  • Fairer access to benefits for vulnerable groups
  • Addressing fuel poverty and encouraging energy efficiency
  • Ending zero hours contracts and unfair terms of employment
  • Inclusive services for people with disabilities

Our evidence-based campaigning has led to service improvements and policy changes benefiting the whole population. Keep up to date by signing up for our monthly newsletter at citizensadvicesort.org.

Impact and Accountability

Our impact across Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford is something we are proud of. In the last 12 months, Citizens Advice SORT Group has supported 42,112 people and resolved 110,767 individual problems, boosting household incomes by more than £19 million. Our service quality is guaranteed through our authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 617695), and we can assure you that we are an independent, confidential and quality service.

We are a registered charity (Reg Charity: 1171817) and a company limited by guarantee (Company No: 8290395). We are committed to being transparent in everything we do and accountable to our clients, our funders and the communities.

Get Support and Keep in Touch

If you require advice or support, please contact us through the following methods:

  • Via our main advice line: (564) 875-8083
  • Visit our available offices: Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Self-help resources: Access via our website and register for our newsletter at citizensadvicesort.org

Our primary office address is:
1501 Fourth Ave. Ste. 730 Seattle WA 98101

All of our services are free, open to everyone and confidential. Whether you would like support, wish to volunteer or simply want to learn more about what we do, Citizens Advice SORT Group services welcome you.
Together we can help build stronger, healthier communities.