Citizens Advice in North & West Kent

Citizens Advice in North and West Kent (CANWK) is an independent charity affiliated to national Citizens Advice.  We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating and we believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice. We provide free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to people with a wide variety of issues; giving them the knowledge and confidence they need to find a way forward.   

CANWK was formed following the merger of five local Citizens Advice organisations. As a larger organisation we are stronger and better able to cope with the challenges we face as an organisation, whilst enabling us to strengthen and grow our local advice services.  Our advice is delivered across five offices in Sevenoaks, Swanley, Tonbridge, Dartford and Gravesend, with eight outreaches in rural communities and 5 day/week telephone advice service. Over the last year, we helped almost 8,000 clients with over 25,000 different issues.   

Our advice is delivered primarily by trained volunteer Advisers, who are supported by experienced supervisors. We also have specialists focusing on high–need and complex issues including debt, benefits, housing and immigration.  This model ensures we can reach as many people in need as possible across our community within our limited resources.  We do not receive any statutory funding, and whilst we receive grants from our local authorities to support our advice services, we are reliant on public support to continue our work.