Citizens Representative

Our CEO Joanna Young speaks with our Research and Campaigns Lead Caroline Robertson about this week's Budget. They break down the headlines and the jargon, discuss the good and the not so good, highlight what it means for you and what you can do if you need support.

Meet Lorna and Charlotte - two of our advisers at Citizens Advice North Lancashire. Lorna and Charlotte are our Citizens Representatives - find out more about what the role entails, the people they can support, how they work in the community, and what they do to relax.

When Life Gives You Lemons: Know Your Rights as a RenterRenting can feel like a game where the landlord knows all the rules and you're still hunting for the instructions. Good news: the rulebook just changed, and it's tipped a lot more in your favour.The Renters' Rights Act came into effect in May, and in this episode we sit down with Sammy Cooper, our Housing Adviser at Citizens Advice North Lancashire, to break down what it actually means for you. No jargon, no legal headaches, just a clear, friendly chat about what's changed, what your landlord can and can't do now, and how to stand up for yourself if something doesn't feel right.Sammy also walks us through the new Crisis and Resilience Fund. What is it, who is it for, and how do you apply if you think you might need it? Spoiler: asking for help isn't a failure, it's just smart. Sammy explains it all in plain English.Whether you're in your first flat-share, deep into a tenancy, or just curious about where you stand, this one's for you. Press play, learn your rights, and make some lemonade.Need help with housing? Get in touch with Citizens Advice North Lancashire for free, independent advice.

This podcast short is part of our When Life Gives You Lemons series. It features our Advice Services Director Gully Trevena talking to our Research and Campaigns Lead Caroline Robertson about the Housing Crisis that we face in the UK. This was recorded before the Renters' Rights Act came into law. Citizens Advice North Lancashire is delighted that Section 21 'no-fault' evictions are gone, we're seeing an end to bidding wars and now landlords can only put the rent up once a year. For more information about the Renters' Rights Act and what it means for you, get in touch with us.

In this podcast short as part of our When Life Gives You Lemons series, we hear from our adviser Kara Cooper on her 2 year anniversary working at Citizens Advice North Lancashire! Kara talks about what she's learnt about Citizens Advice North Lancashire, what we do as a local charity, the people we help, and the importance of compassion, respect and treating one another with dignity at all time.

When Life Gives You Lemons. Podcast Short: Understanding FoodbanksIn this episode of When Life Gives You Lemons, Citizens Advice North Lancashire CEO Joanna Young sits down with Foodbank Adviser Anthony Beech to unpack: what actually is a foodbank?Anthony walks listeners through the basics - how foodbanks work, who they're there for, and the everyday circumstances that can lead someone to need one, from a delayed benefit payment to a sudden job loss or unexpected bill. Joanna and Anthony discuss the vital role local foodbanks play in the Lancaster and Morecambe District, and how Citizens Advice North Lancashire works alongside partners like Morecambe Bay Foodbank to make sure people don't just get emergency food or school uniform support, but also the advice they need to tackle the underlying problem.The conversation aims to break down stigma around foodbank use, showing that reaching out for help is a practical step, and that support is available.

The stuff school forgot to teach you. In this podcast short, Citizens Advice North Lancashire adviser Lucy Young breaks down the basics on money, debt and budgeting, no jargon, no judgement, just the practical lowdown every 16-25 year old needs but rarely gets taught. From surviving the cost of living crisis to building habits that actually stick, Lucy shares the real-world money know-how that should've been on the curriculum all along.

We speak to two young people about growing up in Morecambe, their thoughts on the town, what they love about it and what could be improved.

For this episode we’re out and about!Why has Ian brought Joanna to the banks of the River Lune at Skerton to talk about the value of housing? The search for a stable, secure home is one of the fastest growing issues dealt with by Citizens Advice North Lancashire. Following benefits queries and issues linked to financial crisis, housing is third most common matter dealt with by volunteers who have to navigate a challenging - and changing - range of factors.New legislation is being debated but locally the proposed Eden project in Morecambe is already influencing the housing market in the area.In this edition we’ll hear from Gully Trevena, who leads the Citizens Advice service and specialises in housing matters. We’re also joined by Fiona Macleod, Housing Standards Manager at Lancaster City Council.Show notes:For details of housing advice from Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org/housingFor information from Lancaster City Council: https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/housing/council-housing

Join Joanna and Rev Ian as they discuss the cost of living, budgeting, saving for the future and when life gives you lemons!When 1 in 6 people in the UK don't have any savings, now is the time to talk finances. Lots of us bury our heads in the sand, and with an ever changing economic landscape, whilst it may not be the most fun conversation to have, it's time to face our financial demons! We hear from expert financial adviser Annabel Lumsden from TPFinancialSolutions in Morecambe. tpfinancialsolutions.co.uk