CAML Autumn 2025 Update
Hello,
Summer greetings from Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML) - a local charity working for everyone in Lambeth and Merton - whoever they are, whatever their issues. In the first three months of 2025 we supported over 6,000 people across both boroughs with over 10,000 advice issues.
Merton and Lambeth residents are still struggling with high living costs and, unsurprisingly, the main issues for our clients are still benefits, debt and housing.
Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to supporting our clients going above and beyond to help them solve their issues and reach the most appropriate outcomes.
Christine's award
We were so pleased when one of our volunteers, Christine received a ‘Special Mention Award’ from national Citizens Advice. As a member of our information team, Christine is often the first person clients meet when they come to our Mitcham office. She kindly agreed to be interviewed by Nathan our Admin and Communications Assistant.
Housing and homelessness
In the last year CAML advised almost 2,000 people with housing issues. This does not count additional residents who receive assisted information from us either at our office or on our Adviceline. As rent in the private sector continue to rise, rarely does a day pass without someone coming to us worried about homelessness. Violet is one such person.
Support us
There are many ways to support us - from direct donations, volunteering, enabling employees to volunteer at CAML one day a week, to providing practical help and pro bono expertise and fundraising.
Our Chair of Trustees, Elizabeth Coulter, ran the Oxford half marathon to fundraise for CAML. She completed this race with a new Personal Best and has so far raised over £1300 for CAML. Thank you to everyone who sponsored her. You made a difference. Every penny goes towards providing free, impartial and confidential advice to people in our communities.
Elizabeth’s next challenge is the UTMB Kosci30 on 27 November. This is a 32km trail race in the Snowy Mountains in Australia.
This will be the furthest Elizabeth has ever run and also has some serious elevation. She is continuing to fundraise for CAML with this race too.
Thank you and good luck to Elizabeth!
CAML and Twin Group partner for success
CAML CEO Simon Shimmens with Twin Group CEO Caroline Fox
Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth and the award winning training provider Twin Group have agreed to become strategic partners. As Caroline Fox said “This partnership marks a powerful step forward in our shared mission to empower communities. By combining Twin Group’s expertise in training and upskilling with CAML’s trusted local
presence, we’re opening doors to opportunity, wellbeing, and lasting impact for residents across Merton and Lambeth.”
If you’re interested in partnering with Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth and wish to discuss a potential commission or contract, please contact Simon Shimmens, our Chief Executive.