Citizens Advice Central Dorset
@centraldorsetca.bsky.social
Dorchester, Sherborne, North Dorset, Weymouth & Portland Citizens Advice offering free, confidential, impartial and independent information and advice.
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Welcome to Citizens Advice Central Dorset. Contact details and opening times for our offices and outreaches can be found on the Dorchester, Gillingham, Sherborne and Weymouth & Portland contact pages. www.centraldorsetca.org.uk
📦 Not received your parcel?
It’s the seller’s responsibility to make sure the item you bought from a business is delivered to you.
There are some steps you can take ⤵️
bit.ly/4lkuytX
It’s the seller’s responsibility to make sure the item you bought from a business is delivered to you.
There are some steps you can take ⤵️
bit.ly/4lkuytX
February 12, 2026 at 8:30 AM
📦 Not received your parcel?
It’s the seller’s responsibility to make sure the item you bought from a business is delivered to you.
There are some steps you can take ⤵️
bit.ly/4lkuytX
It’s the seller’s responsibility to make sure the item you bought from a business is delivered to you.
There are some steps you can take ⤵️
bit.ly/4lkuytX
What’s your employment status? You could be:
➡️ an employee
➡️ a worker
➡️ self-employed
It’s important to know your status as this will affect your rights.
Our online advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/3TIHe1y
➡️ an employee
➡️ a worker
➡️ self-employed
It’s important to know your status as this will affect your rights.
Our online advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/3TIHe1y
February 11, 2026 at 8:30 AM
What’s your employment status? You could be:
➡️ an employee
➡️ a worker
➡️ self-employed
It’s important to know your status as this will affect your rights.
Our online advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/3TIHe1y
➡️ an employee
➡️ a worker
➡️ self-employed
It’s important to know your status as this will affect your rights.
Our online advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/3TIHe1y
You could be entitled to benefits even if you work, have savings or own a home.
✅ It’s worth checking what you can get.
Read our online advice on benefits ⤵️
bit.ly/4500oXE
✅ It’s worth checking what you can get.
Read our online advice on benefits ⤵️
bit.ly/4500oXE
February 10, 2026 at 8:30 AM
You could be entitled to benefits even if you work, have savings or own a home.
✅ It’s worth checking what you can get.
Read our online advice on benefits ⤵️
bit.ly/4500oXE
✅ It’s worth checking what you can get.
Read our online advice on benefits ⤵️
bit.ly/4500oXE
🎉 This week we’re celebrating the incredible contributions of our student volunteers.
They balance their studies with empowering people in their local communities - thank you for everything that you do!
Could you be a volunteer? ⤵️
bit.ly/3NwZCKO
#SVW2026
They balance their studies with empowering people in their local communities - thank you for everything that you do!
Could you be a volunteer? ⤵️
bit.ly/3NwZCKO
#SVW2026
February 9, 2026 at 8:30 AM
🎉 This week we’re celebrating the incredible contributions of our student volunteers.
They balance their studies with empowering people in their local communities - thank you for everything that you do!
Could you be a volunteer? ⤵️
bit.ly/3NwZCKO
#SVW2026
They balance their studies with empowering people in their local communities - thank you for everything that you do!
Could you be a volunteer? ⤵️
bit.ly/3NwZCKO
#SVW2026
Thousands of residents are turning to Citizens Advice for help with the rising cost of living.
In Dorset, 14,300 people sought support from the advice service in 2025, raising around 79,000 issues.
In Dorset, 14,300 people sought support from the advice service in 2025, raising around 79,000 issues.
Residents turn to Citizens Advice for help with cost of living
Dorset residents are continuing to seek the help of Citizens Advice as demand remains high with benefits and debt related issues.
www.dorsetecho.co.uk
February 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Thousands of residents are turning to Citizens Advice for help with the rising cost of living.
In Dorset, 14,300 people sought support from the advice service in 2025, raising around 79,000 issues.
In Dorset, 14,300 people sought support from the advice service in 2025, raising around 79,000 issues.
🚗 If you’re having problems with your used car, you might have a legal right to a repair, the cost of a repair, or some or all of your money back.
Try our online tool to check your consumer rights ⤵️
bit.ly/4toSYab
Try our online tool to check your consumer rights ⤵️
bit.ly/4toSYab
February 6, 2026 at 8:30 AM
🚗 If you’re having problems with your used car, you might have a legal right to a repair, the cost of a repair, or some or all of your money back.
Try our online tool to check your consumer rights ⤵️
bit.ly/4toSYab
Try our online tool to check your consumer rights ⤵️
bit.ly/4toSYab
⚡ Looking to save money on your gas and electricity?
You could consider switching suppliers or a different tariff with your current supplier.
Before that, check if you can switch ⤵️
bit.ly/4c5ouDw
You could consider switching suppliers or a different tariff with your current supplier.
Before that, check if you can switch ⤵️
bit.ly/4c5ouDw
February 5, 2026 at 8:45 AM
⚡ Looking to save money on your gas and electricity?
You could consider switching suppliers or a different tariff with your current supplier.
Before that, check if you can switch ⤵️
bit.ly/4c5ouDw
You could consider switching suppliers or a different tariff with your current supplier.
Before that, check if you can switch ⤵️
bit.ly/4c5ouDw
Magna sheltered housing and support services are hosting a series of warm space events in some of their Sheltered schemes. A Citizens Advice Energy Advisor will at the Sherborne event on Thursday 5th February, 11am-2pm at:
Richmond Green, Richmond Grn, Sherborne
Richmond Green, Richmond Grn, Sherborne
February 5, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Magna sheltered housing and support services are hosting a series of warm space events in some of their Sheltered schemes. A Citizens Advice Energy Advisor will at the Sherborne event on Thursday 5th February, 11am-2pm at:
Richmond Green, Richmond Grn, Sherborne
Richmond Green, Richmond Grn, Sherborne
Whoever you are, whatever your problem - we’re here to help you 💙
Everyday we help people like Jean, Hassan and Charlie find a way forward.
#WeAreCitizensAdvice. We are the people’s champion.
Find out more about us ⤵️
bit.ly/3YxGu2C
Everyday we help people like Jean, Hassan and Charlie find a way forward.
#WeAreCitizensAdvice. We are the people’s champion.
Find out more about us ⤵️
bit.ly/3YxGu2C
February 4, 2026 at 8:31 AM
Whoever you are, whatever your problem - we’re here to help you 💙
Everyday we help people like Jean, Hassan and Charlie find a way forward.
#WeAreCitizensAdvice. We are the people’s champion.
Find out more about us ⤵️
bit.ly/3YxGu2C
Everyday we help people like Jean, Hassan and Charlie find a way forward.
#WeAreCitizensAdvice. We are the people’s champion.
Find out more about us ⤵️
bit.ly/3YxGu2C
🏘️ Are you sharing a home with other people?
It’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Our online advice explains what you need to know ⤵️
bit.ly/3Us0jVY
It’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Our online advice explains what you need to know ⤵️
bit.ly/3Us0jVY
February 3, 2026 at 8:45 AM
🏘️ Are you sharing a home with other people?
It’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Our online advice explains what you need to know ⤵️
bit.ly/3Us0jVY
It’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Our online advice explains what you need to know ⤵️
bit.ly/3Us0jVY
Reposted by Citizens Advice Central Dorset
🧵 NEW: Our report 'Listen and learn' sets out how the Government should improve Universal Credit (UC) for the 15 million people who rely on it.
13 years after its roll-out began, it’s time to get UC right.
We've co-produced recommendations with @changingrealities.bsky.social participants 👇
13 years after its roll-out began, it’s time to get UC right.
We've co-produced recommendations with @changingrealities.bsky.social participants 👇
January 29, 2026 at 4:08 PM
🧵 NEW: Our report 'Listen and learn' sets out how the Government should improve Universal Credit (UC) for the 15 million people who rely on it.
13 years after its roll-out began, it’s time to get UC right.
We've co-produced recommendations with @changingrealities.bsky.social participants 👇
13 years after its roll-out began, it’s time to get UC right.
We've co-produced recommendations with @changingrealities.bsky.social participants 👇
Reposted by Citizens Advice Central Dorset
The notorious five-week wait for Universal Credit can lead to a significant period with no income.
It is unsurprising that this is the most common issue with the UC system that Changing Realities participants identified when speaking to us ⤵️
It is unsurprising that this is the most common issue with the UC system that Changing Realities participants identified when speaking to us ⤵️
February 2, 2026 at 9:05 AM
The notorious five-week wait for Universal Credit can lead to a significant period with no income.
It is unsurprising that this is the most common issue with the UC system that Changing Realities participants identified when speaking to us ⤵️
It is unsurprising that this is the most common issue with the UC system that Changing Realities participants identified when speaking to us ⤵️
Reposted by Citizens Advice Central Dorset
Our 3-part fix for the five-week wait for UC:
✅ Work coaches must explain advances properly
✅ Allow backdating by default (up to 1 month)
✅ Introduce discretionary grants for those in crisis (as Northern Ireland already does)
At a cost of ~£500m/year: a small price to reduce hardship.
✅ Work coaches must explain advances properly
✅ Allow backdating by default (up to 1 month)
✅ Introduce discretionary grants for those in crisis (as Northern Ireland already does)
At a cost of ~£500m/year: a small price to reduce hardship.
February 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Our 3-part fix for the five-week wait for UC:
✅ Work coaches must explain advances properly
✅ Allow backdating by default (up to 1 month)
✅ Introduce discretionary grants for those in crisis (as Northern Ireland already does)
At a cost of ~£500m/year: a small price to reduce hardship.
✅ Work coaches must explain advances properly
✅ Allow backdating by default (up to 1 month)
✅ Introduce discretionary grants for those in crisis (as Northern Ireland already does)
At a cost of ~£500m/year: a small price to reduce hardship.
Reposted by Citizens Advice Central Dorset
April 2026 will mark a true milestone for the UK benefits system: the end of the thirteen-year rollout of Universal Credit that has brought together all means-tested working-age benefits.
But there are still further improvements to be made ⤵️ buff.ly/TjrE4OW
But there are still further improvements to be made ⤵️ buff.ly/TjrE4OW
February 1, 2026 at 2:35 PM
April 2026 will mark a true milestone for the UK benefits system: the end of the thirteen-year rollout of Universal Credit that has brought together all means-tested working-age benefits.
But there are still further improvements to be made ⤵️ buff.ly/TjrE4OW
But there are still further improvements to be made ⤵️ buff.ly/TjrE4OW
There are steps you can take if you’re struggling to pay back your debts.
📝 Start by collecting all the information about your debts such as contracts, bills and statements.
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/4kuSKsr
📝 Start by collecting all the information about your debts such as contracts, bills and statements.
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/4kuSKsr
February 2, 2026 at 8:45 AM
There are steps you can take if you’re struggling to pay back your debts.
📝 Start by collecting all the information about your debts such as contracts, bills and statements.
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/4kuSKsr
📝 Start by collecting all the information about your debts such as contracts, bills and statements.
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/4kuSKsr
Are you looking to make any improvements to your home?
A local authority can offer different types of help to adapt, improve, or repair your home.
Find out more on our website ⤵️
bit.ly/3LZLU2C
A local authority can offer different types of help to adapt, improve, or repair your home.
Find out more on our website ⤵️
bit.ly/3LZLU2C
January 30, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Are you looking to make any improvements to your home?
A local authority can offer different types of help to adapt, improve, or repair your home.
Find out more on our website ⤵️
bit.ly/3LZLU2C
A local authority can offer different types of help to adapt, improve, or repair your home.
Find out more on our website ⤵️
bit.ly/3LZLU2C
Separating from your partner can have a big impact on your finances, especially if you rely on your partner’s income or have children.
It’s important to know what support is available to you.
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/45s5HhU
It’s important to know what support is available to you.
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/45s5HhU
January 29, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Separating from your partner can have a big impact on your finances, especially if you rely on your partner’s income or have children.
It’s important to know what support is available to you.
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/45s5HhU
It’s important to know what support is available to you.
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/45s5HhU
You might be able to claim benefits if you:
➡️ Can’t work because you’re sick or disabled
➡️ Have difficulty with everyday tasks or getting around
Find out what you’re entitled to ⤵️
bit.ly/4500oXE
➡️ Can’t work because you’re sick or disabled
➡️ Have difficulty with everyday tasks or getting around
Find out what you’re entitled to ⤵️
bit.ly/4500oXE
January 28, 2026 at 8:30 AM
You might be able to claim benefits if you:
➡️ Can’t work because you’re sick or disabled
➡️ Have difficulty with everyday tasks or getting around
Find out what you’re entitled to ⤵️
bit.ly/4500oXE
➡️ Can’t work because you’re sick or disabled
➡️ Have difficulty with everyday tasks or getting around
Find out what you’re entitled to ⤵️
bit.ly/4500oXE
If you’ve been struggling to keep up your mortgage payments, you may have started to build up a debt - this is often called mortgage arrears.
You’ll need to work out a way to pay back what you owe.
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/49yhsWt
You’ll need to work out a way to pay back what you owe.
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/49yhsWt
January 27, 2026 at 8:30 AM
If you’ve been struggling to keep up your mortgage payments, you may have started to build up a debt - this is often called mortgage arrears.
You’ll need to work out a way to pay back what you owe.
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/49yhsWt
You’ll need to work out a way to pay back what you owe.
Our advice can help ⤵️
bit.ly/49yhsWt
There are steps you can take if you haven’t been paid what you’re owed after leaving a job.
On top of your basic pay you could be owed holiday pay, sick pay and redundancy pay.
Check your rights ⤵️
bit.ly/4bGuGSo
On top of your basic pay you could be owed holiday pay, sick pay and redundancy pay.
Check your rights ⤵️
bit.ly/4bGuGSo
January 26, 2026 at 8:30 AM
There are steps you can take if you haven’t been paid what you’re owed after leaving a job.
On top of your basic pay you could be owed holiday pay, sick pay and redundancy pay.
Check your rights ⤵️
bit.ly/4bGuGSo
On top of your basic pay you could be owed holiday pay, sick pay and redundancy pay.
Check your rights ⤵️
bit.ly/4bGuGSo
Get involved in Energy Savers Week!
➡️ Check out the everyday energy tips on our website
➡️ Take a tour around your home and spot where you can save
➡️ Dive into our energy resources
Find out more on our website⤵️
bit.ly/494Hnoq
#ESW26
➡️ Check out the everyday energy tips on our website
➡️ Take a tour around your home and spot where you can save
➡️ Dive into our energy resources
Find out more on our website⤵️
bit.ly/494Hnoq
#ESW26
January 25, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Get involved in Energy Savers Week!
➡️ Check out the everyday energy tips on our website
➡️ Take a tour around your home and spot where you can save
➡️ Dive into our energy resources
Find out more on our website⤵️
bit.ly/494Hnoq
#ESW26
➡️ Check out the everyday energy tips on our website
➡️ Take a tour around your home and spot where you can save
➡️ Dive into our energy resources
Find out more on our website⤵️
bit.ly/494Hnoq
#ESW26
This Energy Savers Week, why not look into the help available for paying for energy efficiency home improvements? 🏠🔨
You might be able to apply for help with the costs of insulation, a new boiler or a heat pump.
Find out more ⤵️
bit.ly/4sqzEbY
#ESW26
You might be able to apply for help with the costs of insulation, a new boiler or a heat pump.
Find out more ⤵️
bit.ly/4sqzEbY
#ESW26
January 24, 2026 at 11:05 AM
This Energy Savers Week, why not look into the help available for paying for energy efficiency home improvements? 🏠🔨
You might be able to apply for help with the costs of insulation, a new boiler or a heat pump.
Find out more ⤵️
bit.ly/4sqzEbY
#ESW26
You might be able to apply for help with the costs of insulation, a new boiler or a heat pump.
Find out more ⤵️
bit.ly/4sqzEbY
#ESW26
Understanding your heating controls is the easiest way to keep a handle on your energy usage 🔥
1️⃣ Check your thermostat temperature
2️⃣ Set your heating times
3️⃣ Check your radiator valves
Read our all our heating tips here ⤵️
bit.ly/3Le0cwo
#ESW26
1️⃣ Check your thermostat temperature
2️⃣ Set your heating times
3️⃣ Check your radiator valves
Read our all our heating tips here ⤵️
bit.ly/3Le0cwo
#ESW26
January 23, 2026 at 10:55 AM
Understanding your heating controls is the easiest way to keep a handle on your energy usage 🔥
1️⃣ Check your thermostat temperature
2️⃣ Set your heating times
3️⃣ Check your radiator valves
Read our all our heating tips here ⤵️
bit.ly/3Le0cwo
#ESW26
1️⃣ Check your thermostat temperature
2️⃣ Set your heating times
3️⃣ Check your radiator valves
Read our all our heating tips here ⤵️
bit.ly/3Le0cwo
#ESW26
Are you dealing with pest infestations in your rented home?
It’s important to know who’s responsible for dealing with infestations and what your landlord should do.
Find out more on our website ⤵️
bit.ly/4pDQ4ec
It’s important to know who’s responsible for dealing with infestations and what your landlord should do.
Find out more on our website ⤵️
bit.ly/4pDQ4ec
January 23, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Are you dealing with pest infestations in your rented home?
It’s important to know who’s responsible for dealing with infestations and what your landlord should do.
Find out more on our website ⤵️
bit.ly/4pDQ4ec
It’s important to know who’s responsible for dealing with infestations and what your landlord should do.
Find out more on our website ⤵️
bit.ly/4pDQ4ec