About us

Citizens Advice have extraordinary origins as an emergency war service. When the prospect of war loomed in the late 1930’s a group was established to look at how the needs of a civilian population in wartime could be met. The group agreed that ’Citizens Advice Bureaux’ should be established throughout the country, particularly in the large cities and industrial areas where social disorganisation may be acute.’ Preparations were made and on 4th September 1939, just one day after war was declared, 200 bureaux opened their doors for the first time.

A year later in November 1940, the first bureau in Torbay, based in Torquay was established and today we have around 40 volunteers working throughout Torbay.

In 2017 a new membership package was agreed and the term ‘Bureau’ was dropped from the title. The service has survived for over 70 years because, just like society and the problems people face, we have adapted and changed the way the service is delivered so that we can continue to help people in our local community. In April 2018 we are introduced Adviceline and began to improve our online services.

Despite these changes the service remains a free, confidential and independent advice service. We are a local charity and all our income is dependent on grants and donations.

Our main resource is our team of dedicated volunteers. If you would like to join us please complete our online application form using the application here