Is this the right course for you?

Advice Essentials 1 is designed for frontline staff and volunteers who have initial contact with individuals seeking help. 

This 3 hour session will help attendees navigate the Citizens Advice website, recognise advice emergencies, and refer individuals facing issues with debt, benefits, employment, housing, family, and consumer issues to the right support. This course is ideal for anyone working in a client-facing role who may encounter people in need of advice, such as:

 

  • Occupational Therapists
  • Receptionists in community organisations
  • Library staff
  • Community Support Officers
  • Hospital Staff
  • Frontline Local Authority staff

This course equips participants with the skills to identify issues, provide initial guidance, and signpost people to specialist services such as Citizens Advice. By building confidence in handling these situations, participants in Advice Essentials 1 play a crucial role in ensuring that vulnerable individuals do not fall through the cracks.

If you’re a professional or organisation that provides ongoing support to clients then our Advice Essentials 2 course may be more suited to you. 

If you are a local charity, small community organisation or CIC you may be eligible for our fully – funded Advice First Aid course.

Learning Outcomes:

Identify and Respond to Advice Needs:

  • Recognise when someone requires advice and assess their immediate needs.
  • Use active listening and questioning techniques to gather relevant information.
 

Navigate Citizens Advice Resources:

  • Confidently find and use the Citizens Advice website to access reliable information.
  • Direct individuals to self-help resources when appropriate.
 

Recognise Advice Emergencies:

  • Identify situations that require urgent action (e.g. eviction threats, benefits sanctions, employment disputes).
  • Know when to escalate a case to a specialist adviser.
 

Signpost and Refer Effectively:

  • Understand the difference between signposting and referring
  • Direct individuals to specialist services, ensuring they access the right support.
 

Benefits of Advice Essentials 1:

Improves Access to Advice Services:

  • Recognises barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help.
  • Contributes to improving access to advice for marginalised and minoritised communities.