Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford and District

23/10/2026

Did you know you can get your electric blankets, heated throws and other warming devices tested for FREE this November?

Norfolk County Council Trading Standards and Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service are joining forces to help people stay safe and warm as the colder weather arrives by offering free testing events at libraries across Norfolk.

Bring along your:
🔌 Electric blankets
♨️ Heat pads and heated throws
🔥 Small electrical devices, including heaters

Professionals will test your items free of charge, and friendly teams will be on hand to share advice on home fire safety and product safety.

And, if you know someone who might struggle to attend, you can take along their electrical items for them.

A list of testing dates and locations, as well as helpful safety advice, can be found here - https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/43812/Electric-blankets

A little preparation can make a big difference when it comes to keeping warm and safe this winter!

22/10/2026

💷 Could you be entitled to Pension Credit?

The Government has launched a national campaign encouraging people to find out if they qualify.

Pension Credit is worth an average of £4,500 a year and can also open the door to other forms of support, including help with energy bills, housing costs and Council Tax.

We know that benefits information can sometimes feel confusing, and it’s not always easy to know what you might be entitled to.

At Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford & District, we want to encourage anyone who is unsure to seek advice rather than miss out on support they may be entitled to.

You can visit the DWP website for the full eligibility criteria (https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility), or contact us for guidance.

Could you get Pension Credit?

Pension Credit isn’t just extra money in your pocket on top of your State Pension - it can also open the door to help like:
• money off energy bills
• free dental care
• a reduction in your Council Tax
• help with housing costs

Know someone who might qualify? Tell them too! It could make a real difference.

Department for Work and Pensions - DWP

21/10/2026

🍎Happy Apple Day from The Shelf! 🍏

Did you know that at our community grocery store, The Shelf, all fresh fruit and vegetables are FREE?

While we offer a range of groceries and household essentials at discounted prices, there are some items our members can take home without having to reach for their wallets, including:
🍎 All fresh fruit
🥕 All fresh vegetables
🍞 Bread
💜 Period products

This Apple Day, we’re taking the opportunity to spread the word so everyone can make the most of the support available to them, and to say a huge thank you to all our generous donors and dedicated volunteers who help make this possible!

Anyone who lives in Norfolk and Suffolk can become a member of The Shelf for a one-off fee of £3.50. To sign-up, simply visit us during the store’s opening hours with proof of your address.

The Shelf is open:
📅 Mondays, 9.30am – 11.30m
📅 Thursdays, 9.30am – 11.30am
📅 Fridays, 12.30pm – 2.30pm

20/10/2026

🎃👻 ONE WEEK TO GO! 👻🎃

The countdown is on for our Spooks, Soups & Savings event! Join Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford & District, The Shelf and our specialist Energy Advice team for a FREE family-friendly event full of tasty food, money-saving tips and Halloween fun!

📅 Tuesday 27th October
📍 Citizens Advice, 12A Market Place, Diss
🕙 Choose a session: 10am–11.30am or 12.30pm–2pm

Discover how to make delicious, simple soups using produce from The Shelf and slow cookers, with samples and bread to enjoy. We’ll share tips for making warming, nutritious meals while keeping energy use and costs down this winter.

Our specialist team will be on hand to share practical ways to save on energy bills and answer your questions.

There’ll be plenty to keep the kids entertained, including:
🎃 Pumpkin decorating
👕 T-shirt making
🖍️ Spooky colouring

It’s completely FREE to attend, but donations to support our work are always gratefully received.

Come along, warm up, pick up money-saving tips and get into the Halloween spirit with us. We can’t wait to see you there!

19/10/2026

📢 Office closure today

A quick reminder that our Diss office and community grocery store, The Shelf, are closed today (Monday 19th October) while our team takes part in essential training.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience, and thank you for your patience and understanding.

Although our doors are closed today, you can still request support through our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can - https://cadat.org.uk/get-advice/request-for-advice/

We’ll be back open as usual tomorrow (Tuesday 20th October) and look forward to welcoming you then.

16/10/2026

We’re delighted to be featured in the latest Diss Matters magazine, celebrating the incredible contribution our volunteers make to our organisation and the local community.

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re always grateful for the time, energy and dedication they give.

We’re also excited to welcome our new Volunteer Co-Ordinator, who joins us next Tuesday. We look forward to the positive impact they will have in supporting and growing our fantastic volunteer team.

Be sure to pick up a copy of Diss Matters and have a read!

15/10/2026

| The Big C 💙

Did you know we run a very special service in collaboration with the Big C Cancer Charity?

This part of our work is about much more than providing advice about welfare benefits. It’s about listening, understanding and being there for people as they face some of the challenges that can come with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Our dedicated advisers meet patients face to face, as well as providing telephone and video appointments, so people can access support in the way that works best for them.

Sometimes, a patient or their family just need clear information. Sometimes, they need help understanding what financial support they may be entitled to. And sometimes, they simply need someone to listen and help make a difficult situation feel a little more manageable.

For our advisers, this is what makes the service so rewarding. They know that their knowledge and expertise can make a genuine difference to patients and the people who care for them.

From diagnosis and treatment through to whatever comes next, we’re here with free, expert and compassionate advice, helping patients and their families face the practical challenges so they can navigate this difficult journey with one less thing to worry about.

13/10/2026

🎃👻 Spooks, Soups & Savings! 👻🎃

Join Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford & District, The Shelf and our specialist Energy Advice team for a fun, free Halloween-themed event packed with food, savings tips and activities for the whole family!

📅 Tuesday 27th October
📍 Citizens Advice, 12A Market Place, Diss
🕙 Two sessions: 10am - 11.30am & 12.30pm - 2pm

We’ll be making delicious, simple soups using produce from The Shelf in slow cookers, with samples and bread available to enjoy. Come along and discover how you can make nutritious, warming meals while keeping energy use – and costs – down this winter.

Our specialist Energy Advice team will also be on hand with practical tips for keeping your energy costs down during the colder months, and to answer your questions if you have concerns about your bills.

There will also be plenty to keep little ones entertained, including:
🎃 Pumpkin decorating
👕 T-shirt making
🖍️ Spooky colouring

The event is FREE, but donations towards our work will be most welcome.

Come along, warm up, save money and get into the Halloween spirit! We look forward to seeing you!

12/10/2026

📢 Office closure today

Please be aware that our Diss office and our community grocery store, The Shelf, will be closed today (12th October) while our staff take part in essential training.

We’ll also be closed on Monday 19th October for further training.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Our doors will be back open as usual tomorrow (13th October) and we look forward to seeing you then.

In the meantime, you can still request support through our website, and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as we can - https://cadat.org.uk/get-advice/request-for-advice/

08/10/2026

💙 💙

Taking the first step to ask for help can be a big thing.

Sometimes it means talking about problems that you may never have shared with anyone before. We understand this can feel very daunting, but having someone there to listen without judgement can make all the difference.

This lovely feedback from one of our clients is a powerful reminder of the importance of having a safe, impartial and supportive place to talk.

At Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford & District, whatever problem you’re facing, you don’t have to have all the answers before you come to us. We’ll listen, help you understand your options and work with you to identify your next steps - without judgement.

Thank you to our client for taking the time to share these kind words. And thank you to our dedicated staff and volunteers for being there for those taking that first step.