Citizens Advice Darlington

11/03/2026

OPSS V**e usage and disposal awareness campaign
OPSS has launched a v**es safety campaign aimed at young people. The campaign messages include:

store your used v**e safely until you recycle it
remove the battery if possible
don’t bin it in general waste or household recycling
ask v**es retailers about take-back
drop it in a v**e-only recycling bin at a v**e shop, supermarket or recycling point
unplug your v**e once it’s fully charged
You can read 'OPSS launches safe v**es usage and disposal awareness campaign' on GOV.UK.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/opss-launches-safe-v**es-usage-and-disposal-awareness-campaign

Questions asked :
Will va**ng harm my pet? Just like in ci******es, most va**ng liquids contain ni****ne – sometimes even more so than ci******es. As ni****ne is very toxic to our pets, it's important to keep them well away from it. We would always advise not smoking ci******es of any kind, including e-ci******es, around your pets.
Is va**ng harmful to children - V**e products and e-liquids are highly toxic and, in many cases, lethal to children, often causing severe illness or poisoning. The concentrated liquid ni****ne in v**es is extremely dangerous if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Because of their small size and developing bodies, toddlers and young children are at the highest risk

17/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CKzQKdaCb/

If you or someone in your family became poorly, who would help?
Just think if you had support, how would that make you feel?
When we have a health condition it affects other areas of our life.....If you were too poorly to engage, what would you do?

Here are a few questions we are asked by people who suddenly find themselves suffering from ill health:
*If I am too ill to work how will I pay my bills?
*How can I live off benefits and pay my mortgage?
*Im worried, what can I claim to help me manage financially and how do I do this?
*What if I can't get a benefit, how do I prove I'm ill and how do I challenge this?
*How am I going to keep warm and heat my home?
*How can I afford to eat healthy to improve my health?
*Who can help me deal with my employer who is being unreasonable?
*My home isn't suitable for my disability, can I move or get any help to adapt my home?
*Im just not coping, what services or organisations can support me and my family?
*I can't manage financially, who can help me contact creditors?

JUST THINK HOW THEY/YOU WOULD FEEL IF SOMEONE COULD ACTUALLY HELP..
Please consider volunteering a few hours a week ..We supply training, for you to support someone to find the answers ... Its so rewarding to help a person deal with a life changing situation and alleviate some of their concerns... to allow them to concentrate on recovery. Contact [email protected] or call in to chat with Dawn or Susan

13/02/2026

11/02/2026

Discretionary housing payments

10/02/2026

🐕Dogs-Tenancy rules are changing🐶🐾🐕‍🦺🦮🐕🐶
From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act in England will grant tenants a legal right to request to keep a pet (including dogs), which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. Blanket "no pets" bans will become unenforceable. Landlords must consider requests within 28 days, and, while they can ask for details, they must have valid reasons (e.g., property suitability, allergies) to decline.

Insurance/Costs: Landlords may require tenants to take out pet insurance or cover the reasonable costs of pet damage.
Challenge Process: If a landlord refuses unreasonably, tenants can challenge the decision through the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman or courts.

09/02/2026

Look forward to the volunteer fair tomorrow..come along and meet some of our volunteers. See how volunteering can enhance work search, help you meet new people, give you a focus in retirement and feel a sense of satisfaction and pride that you have supported people in your community.

Save the date .......
Darlington Volunteering Fair, organised by Darlington Cares

The event is designed to connect residents with roles that match their interests, skills, or New Year's resolutions to get involved in community projects.

Volunteers from the Citizens Advice Darlington Office will be there.................Come and see us, to find out volunteering opportunities within our service.

05/02/2026

Darlington Borough Council residents who are facing financial hardship can access help through the Household Support Fund (HSF).

To apply for the payment you must be:

a Darlington borough resident
liable to pay housing costs such as rent or a mortgage or be registered as homeless with Darlington Borough Council
part of a household that has not already received a Household Support Fund award in this round, either via a discretionary HSF payment or vouchers through 700 Club, DAD or First Stop.
part of a low-income household
in financial hardship and acutely affected by the cost of living crisis or are in significant debt of £5,000 or more
any savings you have must be under £6,000

The scheme is open until 31 March 2026 but it is best to apply as soon as possible – you can do this online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9wjbKBBSqJBcTkq2G5398ddQC632I07kbysrScJkFOZD8hg/viewform

If you can’t get online at home, we run ICT drop-in sessions every Tuesday, 1.30pm-4pm, and Thursday, 10.30am-1pm, at our office on Church Row. https://www.facebook.com/darlingtoncab/?locale=en_GB There is also free computer access at the town’s libraries.

You can find out more about the scheme at

https://www.citizensadvicedrc.org.uk/services/household-support-fund-darlington

04/02/2026

Save the date .......
Darlington Volunteering Fair, organised by Darlington Cares

The event is designed to connect residents with roles that match their interests, skills, or New Year's resolutions to get involved in community projects.

Volunteers from the Citizens Advice Darlington Office will be there.................Come and see us, to find out volunteering opportunities within our service.

04/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E9W2nqRre/

🌟 Have a low income and 3 or more children?

There’s important news you should know.

From April 2026, the government plans to remove the 2‑child limit for Universal Credit.

This means you may be eligible for Universal Credit even if you were refused before.
💬 Need help checking your entitlement?
📞 Contact Citizens Advice Darlington's Benefit Entitlement Action Team (BEAT) for free, confidential advice and support.
👉 Don’t miss out — get the support you’re entitled to.

Millions go unclaimed every year in our town. Ensure your family isn't a statistic - get the money you deserve!

20/01/2026

🏠 Domestic Abuse🏠

Domestic abuse is a hidden crime — but we’re here to help.

We know domestic abuse can happen in any community, and we’re committed to supporting victims and survivors.

🏠 We do not tolerate any form of domestic abuse in our homes.
🤝 We work closely with local services, Police, and Social Services to help tackle and prevent it.
👀 Our team is trained to recognise the signs and offer support.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please don’t suffer in silence. Help is available.

📞 Reach out to local domestic abuse services or contact us directly — we’re here to listen and support you.

📲For more information: https://www.darlington.gov.uk/housing/manage-your-home/your-safety/domestic-abuse/