Citizens Advice Waverley and Citizens Advice Guildford and Ash have merged and become Citizens Advice South West Surrey.

At the same time, Citizens Advice Waverley’s South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service has become an independent charity.

Both new organisations will continue to work in close co-operation, ensuring that referrals are made across both services to support clients within the boroughs of Waverley and Guildford.

A review was conducted with an independent expert. This found a larger, stronger organisation would help secure funding from additional sources, strengthen partnerships, and provide an “even stronger service for clients”.

 The larger organisation also plans to have a more influential voice and become a better partner for key stakeholders.

The merger will provide better opportunities for volunteers and staff to specialise and develop their expertise.

Access to Citizens Advice services will remain unchanged, and contact details and office locations will remain the same.

The free Adviceline phone numbers will continue to be: 0808 278 7980 for those in Waverley, and 0808 278 7888 for those in Guildford and Ash.

There is though a new website: www.casws.org.uk

The domestic abuse service within Citizens Advice Waverley has grown in capacity and service development, and will now pursue its own specialist mission, actively continuing its work with the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership and its commitments under the Women’s Aid National Quality Standards.

South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service has become its own independent charity whilst still retaining a close partnership with Citizens Advice South West Surrey.

Its helpline can be contacted for free by calling 01483 898884 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm). Visit https://swsda.org.uk