CAML Summer 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.
CAML has new opening hours!
Our offices in Mitcham, Morden and Kennington now open earlier at 9:30am. We close for a break between 12-1 and then the afternoon session ends at 3pm.
We run outreach services across the boroughs - from Job Centres and Foodbanks, to Libraries and Medical centres, Online to Drop-ins - you can access our help in many ways. Check out our website for the latest locations.
People’s PIP Issues
We’re pleased that the Government is not pressing ahead with the full changes to PIP (Personal Independence Payment) that were originally proposed. Even so, we expect local residents to keep coming to us for help with PIP. In the first six months of this year over 560 people needed our help with issues related to PIP. Many of these were complicated and we counted over 1,545 issues in total. The chart below shows the six most common reasons related to PIP that residents come to CAML about.
Volunteers’ work recognised
We were delighted, but not surprised, when Carole, one of our Research and Campaigns (R&C) volunteers, was presented with the ‘Wise Owl’ award by National Citizens Advice. We’d nominated her for her work in mentoring new R&C volunteers, researching the underlying causes of our clients’ problems, and improving our communications – not least her super-power of adapting her writing style from the Financial Times to the Daily Mirror as the need arises. Carole says she particularly enjoys developing her understanding of the issues local people face and keeping up to date with communications technologies.
We welcome volunteers from all range of backgrounds and have a huge range of volunteering opportunities from policy research to helping client’s solve their issues.
Summer in the City
Looking for free and accessible days out for the family? From Mitcham Zoo’s Exotic Animal Encounters to Merton Pride, there’s something for everyone this summer. Follow the link(s) to take a look at some local events happening in the Merton and Lambeth over the summer.
Keep in touch
We are the people’s champion. We have outreach centers throughout Merton and Lambeth from Colliers Wood Library to the Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton. Together with the support of commissioners, partners and funders, we work to ensure access to social justice and support is available to everyone in the communities we serve.
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.