Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.5.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Citizens Advice Barnet Providing free, confidential and impartial advice ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://barnetcab.org.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Michael's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/michaels-story/) - For Michael, a 58-year-old man living with his wife in rented accommodation in Barnet, the past year brought sudden uncertainty after more than two decades of loyal service. Michael had worked as a waiter in a north-west London restaurant for 21 years. His job was not just his income, but a constant in his life. - [Qaizaar's story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/qaizaars-story/) - Qaizaar recently qualified as a Generalist Adviser after quickly getting started with volunteering. He’s planning to use the experience he’s gained here to help him in his future law career. As a result of his fast progress, he now works as a Helpline Assessor part time. When did you start? So I started in - [Helena's story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/helenas-story/) - When Helena was diagnosed with cancer, it changed everything. Her diagnosis not only took an immense physical and emotional toll but also introduced a number of financial and bureaucratic challenges. Unable to work due to the effects of her disease and the treatments, Helena found herself in a precarious situation with no income to support - [Citizens Advice Barnet launches CAB Court Support at Barnet Civil and Family Court](https://barnetcab.org.uk/cab-court-support-announcement/) - Citizens Advice Barnet is thrilled to announce the launch of CAB Court Support, a new initiative providing in-person services at Barnet Civil and Family Court This service aims to fill the gap left by the closure of some of the London satellite centres of the Support Through Court charity, one of which was in Barnet. - [Cancer patient wins £15,000 settlement with help from our employment team](https://barnetcab.org.uk/cancer-patient-wins-15000-settlement-employment-team/) - Our employment team recently celebrated a significant victory, bringing hope and justice to a client facing extraordinarily challenging circumstances. Our client, a brave individual battling stage four cancer, found themselves in a daunting legal battle against their former employer. Among a raft of issues, they’d faced disability discrimination which had proved detrimental to their health. - [The impact of Citizens Advice Barnet’s volunteers](https://barnetcab.org.uk/impact-of-volunteers/) - Every year, we have the privilege of celebrating Volunteers’ Week, which this year fell between the 3rd and 9th of June. The week is a golden opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of those who give up their time for free. 2024 also marks a special year as we celebrate 40 years of - [Lana's story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/lanas-story/) - Lana’s story is one of resilience, perseverance and the power of getting the right support. Lana, along with her husband and four children, lived in a one-bedroom flat in social housing. Despite her persistent requests for rehousing, she was repeatedly told that her existing accommodation was adequate. She said: “I tried to go to Barnet - [Addressing hunger and hardship through Barnet's food banks](https://barnetcab.org.uk/barnets-food-banks/) - New figures from the Trussell Trust show that over 3.1 million emergency food parcels were given out by their food banks between April 2023 and March 2024, a record number. Food banks have sadly become an essential part of the social safety net in the UK. More people are relying on them, but the increases ## Pages - [Home](https://barnetcab.org.uk/) - HENDON OFFICE TEMPORARILY CLOSEDDue to unforeseen circumstances, our Hendon office is closed until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We are still here to help and remain committed to supporting our clients through alternative services. Please find below our holiday opening hours, which differ from our usual service times.Get helpHow to - [Call Us](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-advice/call-us/) - Call UsAll services will be closed on Friday 17th April, including Adviceline Adviceline phone number: 0808 250 5708 (freephone) Monday to Friday 10am – 3:30pm What we do for you When you first contact us by phone, you will be given a brief initial assessment, normally around 10 minutes, in order for us to understand - [Get Advice](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-advice/) - Get adviceContact us for free, confidential, independent and impartial advice.All services will be closed on Friday 17th AprilFast answersSearch by topic to find help online - debt, work, benefits & more.EmailClick to complete the online form and an Adviser will get in touch with youCall 0808 250 5708Lines are open Monday to Friday from 10AM - [Email Us](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-advice/email-us/) - Email UsAll services will be closed on Friday 17th April, including our email advice form We offer advice by email to those who live, work or study in Barnet, Monday to Friday. If you do not live, work or study in Barnet please contact your local Citizens Advice which you can find here. We are currently - [Our Projects](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/our-projects/) - Our projectsOn-site projectsOutreach ServicesOn-site ProjectsDebt advice This service focuses on complex debt issues and advice in addition to that offered by the core service. For example, we offer help navigating the requirements of various creditors. Immigration The Immigration Team provides free specialist advice, casework, and representation on immigration issues. The majority of cases are family - [Our Core Service](https://barnetcab.org.uk/our-core-service/) - Our servicesHow we can help We will first discuss your problem with you and then help you find a way forward. What we can help with Our service is always free, confidential, independent, impartial and given without judgement. We can advise on many issues including: Benefits Employment Debt and money Consumer issues Energy Housing Family - [Macmillan referral](https://barnetcab.org.uk/macmillan-referral/) - Macmillan Referral Since 27th March we are no longer able to take any new referrals. The referral form on this website has been closed and the Barnet Macmillan telephone line has the same message. If you need further support please contact the national Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00. See further contact details here. - [Our Team](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/our-team/) - Our leadership team Meet our Chief Officer and Board of Trustees Daniel BamfordChief OfficerDaniel BamfordChief OfficerDaniel joined Citizens Advice Barnet in 2010 as a volunteer adviser and has been Chief Officer since 2017. Outside of work, he is a keen musician and also holds degrees in Law and Music and has a Ph.D in Historical - [Visit Us](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-advice/visit-us/) - Visit Us Hendon Hub TEMPORARY OFFICE CLOSURE NOTICE Due to unforeseen circumstances, our Hendon office is closed until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. We are still here to help and remain committed to supporting our clients through alternative services, such as through face-to-face drop-in advice sessions at various locations throughout - [Research and Campaigns](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/research-and-campaigns/) - Research and CampaignsCampaigning for change in Barnet At Citizens Advice Barnet, we seek to use our influence and experience to identify and address problems affecting local people. We collect evidence of clients’ problems and use this to campaign for changes in policies and services. We have a key role in speaking up for clients, raising - [Referrals](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-advice/email-us/referrals/) - Make a Referral The referral form from our website has been removed as of 2nd February 2026. If you have been set-up to refer directly to our services using a unique link, please use this going forwards. If you have not been given a unique link to make referrals onto our system, then please complete - [Volunteer](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/) - Volunteer Our volunteers are vital members of the Citizens Advice Barnet team. If you’re looking for a worthwhile experience and excellent training, there may be a suitable volunteering role waiting for you at Citizens Advice Barnet. Volunteering is a great way to contribute, use and gain skills, make friends and feel part of an enthusiastic - [Client Stories](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/) - People we've helpedJames' StoryFor James, the past year had been a relentless battle for justice. After experiencing discrimination at work due to his disability, he found himself facing a legal fight against his former employer. With limited options and mounting stress, he turned to our team for help.Michael's StoryFor Michael, a 58-year-old man living with - [Someone to help this Christmas](https://barnetcab.org.uk/christmas-2025/) - Someone to help this Christmas Donate here £17.12 could give quick advice in the local community to one person like Nila£30.62 could give an appointment with an experienced adviser to one person like Nila£75.62 could give an appointment with translation to one person like Nila “I’ve got £10.10 left in my account and it has - [Donate](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-involved/donate/) - Donate Every day, we help around 100 people in our community because they’re stuck and don’t know they’re rights. More and more people are coming to us in desperate situations because of the cost of living crisis – unable to pay their bills or feed their families and falling deeper into debt. Our expert advisers - [Impact Report 2024/25](https://barnetcab.org.uk/impact-report-24-25/) - Sign up to Receive our 2024/25 Impact Report We are currently working on our 2024/25 Impact Report, which we expect to be ready in January. Complete the brief form below to be sent a copy when it is ready. Request 24/25 Impact report First name * First name Last name * Last name Would you - [Register Your Interest to Volunteer With Us](https://barnetcab.org.uk/register-to-volunteer/) - Register Your Interest to Volunteer With Us Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Citizens Advice Barnet. While we are not currently accepting applications for volunteers, we expect to resume recruitment for our advice team volunteers in January 2026. For information on volunteering with us, please see our Volunteer page. If you would like - [Volunteer interview - Ma'isha](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-stories/maisha/) - Volunteer Interview: Ma'isha“Even small things, like helping fill in a form, can really impact people’s lives.” Stock Image Meet Ma’isha, who volunteers as a trainee generalist adviser and supports various parts of our service, including outreach sessions and the advice line. She joined Citizens Advice Barnet to gain hands-on experience in advising clients and has - [Volunteer Stories](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-stories/) - Our VolunteersMeet Citizens Advice Barnet volunteers past and present!Volunteer with usMa'isha's StoryMa’isha volunteers as a trainee generalist adviser and supports various parts of our service, including outreach sessions and the advice line.Qaizaar's storyQaizaar recently qualified as a Generalist Adviser after quickly getting started with volunteering. He’s planning to use the experience he’s gained here to - [Volunteers stories: Ma'isha](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-stories/ged/) - Volunteer Interview: Ma'ishaIf you want to help people in need and you’re interested in how people are affected by the UK’s overlapping patchwork of rules and regulations – this is the place for you. Meet Ma’isha – Trainee Generalist Adviser Ma’isha volunteers as a trainee generalist adviser and supports various parts of our service, including - [Volunteer Application Form](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-application-form/) - Volunteer Application Form Volunteer Application First Name * Last Name Address * City * City Postcode * Postcode Phone Number * Email * Volunteer role, skills and experience Are you interested in any particular type of volunteer role(s)? (Please note we are currently only accepting applications for our advice team.) * Describe any skills you - [About Us](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/) - About usWe are a local charity providing free, confidential, independent and impartial advice to people in Barnet.Our TeamResearch & CampaignsThe people we helpOur Impact - [Privacy & Cookie Policy](https://barnetcab.org.uk/privacy-policy/) - Privacy & Cookie Policy At Citizens Advice we collect and use your personal information to help solve your problems, improve our services and tackle wider issues in society that affect people’s lives. We only ask for the information we need. We always let you decide what you’re comfortable telling us, explain why we need it - [Trustees](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-involved/trustees/) - Trustees At this time, we are not accepting any more applications for trustee roles. We will update this page if new opportunities become available. Find out more Do you feel passionately about social justice? Could you help shape the future of Citizens Advice Barnet? The Trustee Board are responsible for the overall direction, vision - [Give a Local Lifeline this Christmas](https://barnetcab.org.uk/christmas-2024/) - Give a Local Lifeline this Christmas Iris is a pensioner living alone. She has no friends, family or support network, and her crippling anxiety makes everyday tasks, like opening mail and answering the door, feel impossible. Moreover, her physical health severely limits her mobility: “I can’t get around easily—I have to use taxis because I’m - [Fundraise](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising/) - FundraiseFundraise as you shopEasyfundraising To raise funds by shopping through easyfundraising, simply visit easyfundraising.org.uk, click ‘Support this cause’ under our logo, create an account (or log in if you have one), and search for a retailer to shop with. Go to EasyfundraisingOther ways to fundraise for usDeclutter and Donate You could even fundraise by decluttering your - [Maximise income](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-advice/maximise-income/) - Cost of Living supportWays to maximise your incomeCan you increase your income?Use an online benefits calculatorOnline Benefits Calculator Check if you are entitled to any benefits. Or, if you are already claiming, check that you are getting the right amount and all the benefits to which you are entitled. Have you considered Universal Credit?Universal Credit - [Subscription successful](https://barnetcab.org.uk/subscription-successful/) - Thank you for subscribing. - [Social Media House Rules](https://barnetcab.org.uk/social-media-house-rules/) - Social Media House Rules Our social media channels are used to inform and connect with the Barnet community and other organisations. Though we celebrate the diversity of our audiences including history, religious observances, and days of social significance, our channel is not a political platform and we make every effort to remain apolitical. In order - [Lester](https://barnetcab.org.uk/lester/) - Volunteer Interview: Lester Hey Lester, what is your role at Citizens Advice Barnet? Mostly I assist people applying for the Personal Independence Payment. I’m helping people with paperwork who can’t do it themselves. These forms go into a lot of detail and many of our clients find them overwhelming. This can be because they do - [Volunteer stories: Yasmin](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-stories/yasmin/) - Volunteer Interview: YasminYou can really see the difference that Citizens Advice are making to people’s lives. Law graduate Yasmin was already volunteering at a local church where Citizens Advice Barnet holds outreach sessions. She is now training to become a generalist adviser. What brought you to volunteer with us? I studied law at university - [Catherine](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-stories/catherine/) - Volunteer Interview: CatherineThe most rewarding thing is when people - who are very stressed when they arrive - leave with a look of relief and a smile. I feel I have helped them on their way. Introducing Catherine, a trainee adviser at Citizens Advice Barnet. Catherine who is retired was motivated by a long-standing admiration - [Barnet’s housing crisis: 75% increase in housing issue enquiries since 2020](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/research-and-campaigns/barnets-housing-crisis/) - Barnet’s housing crisis 75% increase in housing issue enquiries since 2020 In a year where half the world goes to the polls, and with local elections looming in Barnet in May, we’ve decided to take a step back and reflect on the key issues people are facing in our community, and what we see - [Celebrating Lynn's 16 years of service at Citizens Advice Barnet](https://barnetcab.org.uk/lynn-mathias-supervisor/) - Celebrating Lynn's 16 years of service at Citizens Advice Barnet Lynn Mathias’ journey with Citizens Advice Barnet spans an impressive 16 years, marked by dedication and commitment to serving our community. We wanted to share her story to thank her for her many years of service. Originally it was a friend who recommended Lynn work - [Joanne's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/joannes-story/) - Joanne's Story What began as a routine reduction in a direct debit turned into a daunting debt of nearly £2,000, leaving Joanne feeling overwhelmed and shaken. Navigating the complexities and nuances of an energy bill can be challenging for the best of us, and usually there is a level of trust that the calculations made - [Esme's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/esme/) - Esme's Story “Is this the world I exist in?” After nearly two years of fighting with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), this is the question that Esme was left with. A Complex PTSD survivor, mistakes in Esme’s benefit calculation, and repeated ignorance about her mental health struggles left her on the edge of - [Ronnie](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-stories/ronnie/) - Volunteer Interview: Ronnie Ronnie joined Citizens Advice Barnet in late 2019, having retired from a career as a life insurance actuary. His Citizen’s Advice training was interrupted by Covid and he qualified as a Generalist Adviser in February 2022. What is your role at Citizens Advice Barnet? I have two different roles! One day a - [Winter Appeal](https://barnetcab.org.uk/winter_appeal/) - Someone to Care It’s an awful feeling to find yourself isolated at Christmas time. For Michael, this isolation came as a result of finding himself in a terrible amount of debt, with no ability to pay it off: “I felt like I couldn’t talk about it. It was a feeling unlike anything else. At my - [Get Involved](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-involved/) - Get InvolvedFind out how you can support your local charity.DonateFundraiseVolunteerJobs - [Volunteer interview Ruth](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-stories/ruth/) - Volunteer Interview: Ruth Ruth is one of our newest volunteers who joined us upon completion of her masters degree. She is with us to help her community and to do something worthwhile with her free time. What is your role at Citizens Advice Barnet? It’s a challenging but pretty fun role. I do the - [Michael's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/michael/) - Michael's Story “I felt like I couldn’t talk about it. It was a feeling unlike anything else. At my stage in life you’ve coped with so much, bereavement and injury and loss, but this is a different kind of hell.” Michael came to Citizens Advice Barnet when he reached crisis point. A pensioner, Michael struggled - [Hanna's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/hanna/) - Hanna's Story A cost of living crisis, debilitating illness and a child struggling with their mental health. For most of us, even one of these problems is enough to create an unmanageable situation. For Hanna, all three have been a reality for years. Becoming British Hanna first sought help from Citizens Advice Barnet to - [Online Help](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-advice/online-help/) - Find Answers Fast Benefits Work Debt & Money Consumer Family Housing Law & Courts Immigration Health Tax Education Template Letters Video Advice - [Fast Answers: Video Advice](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-advice/online-help/video-advice/) - Video AdviceClick on a video to hear an adviser talk about the topic. They will answer some of the main questions people have. In this video Sayeed covers commonly asked questions about energy tariffs: What is a tariff? What are the different types of tariff? Which tariff should I choose? What can I do if - [Client Interview - Nora](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/nora/) - Nora's Story In the UK on a spousal visa, Nora was left in a difficult situation when her son’s father abandoned them, leaving her destitute and caring for her severely autistic child. The conditions of her leave to remain did not allow her to access benefits and she was unable to work whilst looking after - [Client Interview: Luna's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/luna/) - Luna's story Luna started a new job where her working conditions were unsustainable and unsafe. She sought help from Citizens Advice Barnet when her situation became impossible. A Difficult Situation: Luna was working as a trainer and began a job in a new studio. She was asked to work late in a building that was - [Eva: Volunteer Interview](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-stories/eva/) - Volunteer Interview: Eva Eva says: “I’ve spoken to so many people it’s hard to keep track but whenever a client tells me that they’re happy that they spoke to me, that’s amazing to hear. It’s good to know that people feel I genuinely am interested and want to help them” What is your role - [Simon's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/simons-story/) - Simon's Story When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, Simon’s company placed him on sick leave. His pay continued for two months, but he soon found himself without income. At that time, he approached Citizens Advice Barnet via the Macmillan Project, a benefits advice service available to those affected by cancer. With our help, - [Complaints](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-advice/feedback/) - Feedback & ComplaintsComplaints Our complaints process is managed by the national Citizens Advice service. If you are unhappy about the advice you have received at Citizens Advice Barnet and wish to make a complaint, download the complaints leaflet and find the process that best suits your needs. In the leaflet, there is also information on - [Confirmation](https://barnetcab.org.uk/confirmation/) - Form Confirmation Your responses were successfully submitted. We will be in touch shortly. Get involvedDonateFundraiseVolunteer - [Chat](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-advice/chat/) - Chat February 2023: We are currently unable to offer advice by live chat. You can access advice via email, our helpline or some limited face-to-face services. - [Disclaimer & Copyright](https://barnetcab.org.uk/disclaimer-copyright/) - Disclaimer & Copyright Disclaimer Citizens Advice Barnet has tried to ensure that the information on this website is accurate. However, Citizens Advice Barnet will not accept liability for any loss, damage or inconvenience arising as a consequence of any use of or the inability to use any information on this website. Citizens Advice Barnet endeavours - [Accessibility Statement](https://barnetcab.org.uk/accessibility-statement/) - Accessibility Statement We’ve endeavoured to make this website usable and accessible to a wide range of users. This page explains some of the features which should make this site easier to use. There are also links to other websites that can help you. If you are experiencing any problems accessing the information on this site, - [Terms & Conditions](https://barnetcab.org.uk/terms-conditions/) - Terms & Conditions Welcome to our website. If you continue to browse and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern Citizens Advice Barnet’s relationship with you in relation to this website. If you disagree with - [Site Map](https://barnetcab.org.uk/site-map/) - Site MapPages About Us Client Stories Adwoa’s Story Ana’s Story Anthony’s Story Client Interview – Nora Client Interview: Luna’s Story Dorina’s Story Esme’s Story Hanna’s Story Isabella’s Story Jamal’s Story Joanne’s Story Lynda’s Story Michael’s Story Michaela’s Story Mira’s Story Monique’s Story Robert’s Story Saul’s Story Simon’s Story Ted’s Story Our Impact Our Projects Our - [My First Appointment](https://barnetcab.org.uk/my-first-appointment/) - My First Appointment Newly hired as a Communications and Marketing Coordinator, I am given a profound introduction to Citizens Advice Barnet when I sit in on an advice appointment. I am assigned Danielle, a veteran volunteer and generalist advisor for her first session of the day. This is what I see: Danielle’s client walks into - [Job Application Form](https://barnetcab.org.uk/job-application-form/) - Job Application Form Please select a valid form. Diversity monitoring information form Monitoring Information Which role are you applying for? * Age * Under 25 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 and over Prefer not to say Gender * Male Female I prefer to use another term Prefer not to say Sexual Orientation * Heterosexual/Straight Gay - [Trustee Application Form](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-involved/trustees/trustee-application-form/) - Trustee Application Form Trustee Application Personal Details First Name * Last Name * Address * City City Postcode * Postcode Phone - Mobile Phone - Home Email * When would you be available to take up the post? * Where did you hear about this vacancy? * Education, Training and Work Experience Please list any - [Our Impact](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/our-impact/) - Our Impact Citizens Advice Barnet was established in 1939. We are a registered charity (1065835) providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice and guidance to people who live, work or study in the London Borough of Barnet, on their rights and responsibilities. It values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. Our services are delivered by - [Saul's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/sauls-story/) - Saul's Story For six months, Saul had been receiving the wrong amount of Universal Credit, and his payments had been falling far short of his rent. He works full-time, but his partner is an asylum seeker and therefore unable to work or claim benefits, so the error left them struggling financially. “I approached Citizens Advice - [Adwoa's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/adwoas-story/) - Adwoa's Story Adwoa had been working during normal daytime hours in the same location for the past 24 years, a few bus stops down the road from her home. Her employer told her, with less than two weeks’ notice, that she had to start working on the other side of London, and she’d have to - [Ted's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/teds-story/) - Ted's Story Ted has claimed Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for the last three years, but was only receiving the mobility component. PIP is made up of two components – mobility and daily living, and he was receiving nothing for daily living. Our Welfare Benefits Caseworker, Susan, helped Ted request a mandatory reconsideration. “I got in - [Robert's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/roberts-story/) - Robert's Story Robert got in touch when he received a letter saying he owed over £20,000 in Housing Benefit overpayments. He also owed over £3,000 in council tax arrears, and an Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) overpayment was being deducted from his Personal Independence Payment (PIP), leaving him with little income. He finds it difficult - [Jamal's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/jamals-story/) - Jamal's Story Jamal was made redundant In January 2020 with no notice or pay. We advised him of the steps to take to enforce these payments through the tribunal system, and he won his case in October 2020. However, his employer went into liquidation and appealed to get his own name taken off the judgment, - [Monique's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/moniques-story/) - Monique's Story Monique is a single mum who came to the UK in 2007 to train and work as a nurse. However, her health has since deteriorated and she is no longer able to work. She has human rights grounds for her leave to remain in the UK, and the right to claim benefits. She - [Lynda's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/lyndas-story/) - Lynda's Story Lynda contacted us when she received a letter from an enforcement company about her council tax arrears. She has poor mental health and claims Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – benefits for people living with disabilities or health conditions. She spoke to us about how our debt caseworker, - [Natalie](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-stories/natalie/) - Volunteer Interview: Natalie Natalie works in PR on a freelance basis while studying law part-time. As she works in corporate roles, she always tries to volunteer as a way of giving back and making a positive contribution. What is your role at Citizens Advice Barnet? I’m a volunteer adviser trainee. Why do you - [Maz](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-stories/maz/) - Volunteer Interview: Maz Maz has worked for over 20 years as a solicitor specialising in immigration law. She’s tri-lingual, a mother of two and a carer to her youngest child. What is your role at Citizens Advice Barnet? I volunteer with the immigration department. Why do you volunteer at Citizens Advice Barnet? I’m - [Liliane](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-stories/liliane/) - Volunteer Interview: Liliane Liliane has a master’s degree in business management and a background in HR. She grew up always wanting to help others; her dad grew up an orphan in Africa and would have had nothing without the help of the church and others. Inspired by his story, she wants to make society more - [Juliana](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-stories/juliana/) - Volunteer Interview: Juliana Juliana has a background in law, and more lately as a photographer, specialising in portraits and events. During lockdown, she had to stop working as a photographer and sought volunteering opportunities in human rights. As well as volunteering at Citizens Advice Barnet, she has also completed a course in human rights in - [Elizabeth](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-stories/14477-2/) - Volunteer Interview: Elizabeth Elizabeth trained as a solicitor and worked in a City law firm for ten years but this became incompatible with family responsibilities and she decided to use her skills to do something worthwhile in the local community. She’s been volunteering with Citizens Advice Barnet for over three and a half years. - [Mira's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/miras-story/) - Mira's Story Mira was in the UK with her husband on a family reunion visa, but after subjecting her to years of emotional and financial abuse, he left their home and ceased paying full rent or bills, while continuing to collect their joint Universal Credit payments. He also kept up sporadic contact to continue the - [Michaela's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/michaelas-story/) - Michaela's Story Despite working six days a week, Michaela was struggling to pay her bills and especially her rent. We supported her to claim Universal Credit (UC), but the DWP decided that she does not qualify for the housing element and she should apply for housing benefit, instead. However, when she did so, she was - [Isabella's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/isabellas-story/) - Isabella's Story Isabella had been working in a restaurant for a year when she was dismissed without pay or warning. The restaurant where she’d been working had to close during the Coronavirus crisis. Her employer said they might not reopen, and even if they did, they wouldn’t be able to keep everyone on. Isabella spoke - [Dorina's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/dorinas-story/) - Dorina's Story Dorina contacted us as she had no income due to the pandemic and no support system since childhood. She did not know what to do and was concerned the outcome would be her ending up homeless. “My workplace closed down due to the virus, and my Universal Credit request was declined. I didn’t - [Anthony's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/anthonys-story/) - Anthony's Story Anthony is unable to work due to multiple health conditions and had been receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Housing Benefit. However, he failed a reassessment and all his benefits stopped, leaving him with no income. He spoke to us about what that’s been like and how our advisor, Will, has been - [Ana's Story](https://barnetcab.org.uk/about-us/people-we-help/anas-story/) - Ana's Story Ana phoned Citizens Advice Barnet in December because she was struggling to survive on Universal Credit. After paying for rent, council tax and heating, she could not afford to provide food for herself and her two-year-old son. To make things worse, her cooker was broken, and she was worried that she wouldn’t even - [Cost of Living Support](https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-advice/col-support/) - Cost of Living supportAs costs rise, we know that tight budgets are getting tighter. To help, we've collected some available resources and funding. EnergyApply for debt relief from energy bills. The following energy suppliers offer grants to their customers. Click on your provider to apply: British Gas Energy Support Fund Scottish Power Hardship Fund Ovo ## Categories - [Research and Campaigns](https://barnetcab.org.uk/research-and-campaigns/) - [Client stories](https://barnetcab.org.uk/client-stories/) - [Volunteer stories](https://barnetcab.org.uk/volunteer-stories/) - [News](https://barnetcab.org.uk/news/)