Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.6.2, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# Coventry Independent Advice Service

A registered charity offering free, confidential, quality assured advice on benefits and debt issues

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://covadvice.org.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News](https://covadvice.org.uk/news/)
- [Grants for individuals and families](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/grants-for-individuals-and-families/) - If you have financial difficulties or are on a low income, we have a new feature that allows you to search for grants that might be able to help. The direct link is below.
- [Benefit Calculator and PIP helper](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/benefit-calculator-and-pip-helper/) - We are pleased to launch a new benefit calculator and a guide to claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Both have been supplied by Turn2us, a national charity offering information and practical help to people facing financial insecurity. You can find the calculator and the PIP helper in the get advice dropdown of our website.
- [Advice service changes](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-service-changes-2/) - There have been a couple of changes to our service that we want to tell you about. From Wednesday 1st October, our Personal Independence Payment (PIP) clinics will move to Foleshill Community Centre. From Tuesday 7th October, we will open a new appointment-only advice service at John White Community Centre in Binley. Please see our
- [WhatsApp!](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/whatsapp/) - We now have a new way for people to contact us via the WhatsApp messaging app. Our WhatsApp number is 07990 364992. Please note that this is a messaging service only - calls cannot be answered or returned.
- [New advice surgeries](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/new-advice-surgeries/) - We are happy to announce some new advice surgeries in Coventry! These include new 'drop-in' services in Holbrooks and Tile Hill, plus a dedicated Personal Independence Payment (PIP) clinic in partnership with Warwick University Law School. Full details can be found on our 'get advice' pages. Please continue to keep an eye on our updates
- [Important update - and good news!](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/important-update-and-good-news/) - Thanks to support from several sources, we are pleased to announce that we will be launching some new advice services in 2025. Full details will be announced after Christmas, but we are pleased to tell you that we are still here and are no longer threatened with closure! Our main website will be updated as soon
- [Important service update](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/important-service-update/) - With great sadness we need to inform you that, following Coventry City Council’s decision to completely axe our funding, Coventry Independent Advice Service (CIAS) will be unable to take on any new advice cases after 30th September 2024. We understand that this may create problems for your service users, contacts and the wider community, but
- [Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payment](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/pension-credit-and-winter-fuel-payment/) - The Government has recently announced that the Winter Fuel Payment will become means-tested. This means that only those receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will receive Winter Fuel Payment this year and beyond. Thousands of people are entitled to Pension Credit but don't claim it. We encourage all pensioners to check if they could
- [Service updates](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/service-updates/) - We have made some changes to our service to try and make it easier for you to contact us. Our telephone line is now open every weekday (Monday to Friday) between 9.30 and 12.30. Our online enquiry service is now back up and running. Demand is still very high, so we cannot guarantee an immediate
- [Christmas and New Year closure](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/christmas-and-new-year-closure-2/) - Our advice service closes at 4pm on Friday 22nd December 2023. We will reopen as normal on Wednesday 3rd January 2024. If you need help over the Christmas period please see our links page and the City Council's Cost of Living pages. We would like to wish you all peace and happiness over the festive
- [Help for people in precarious work](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/help-for-people-in-precarious-work/) - Many people are in precarious or unstable work. This includes people on zero-hours contracts and other types of employment. If you are in this type of work, a new video may help. We have produced this in partnership with students from the Public Legal Education module at University of Warwick. It can be accessed through
- [Managing your Universal Credit journal](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/managing-your-universal-credit-journal/) - We have produced a new resource that gives information about managing your Universal Credit account and making changes through your online journal. We hope it is helpful for anyone who may be struggling to manage their claim online or who is unsure about changes that need to be reported. The resource was produced in partnership
- [Advice service update](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-service-update-3/) - We are making some changes to our advice service delivery to better meet your needs. From Monday 4th September, we will have a single contact phone number. This is to avoid confusion and help us offer a better service to you. Our single contact number is 024 7652 1100. (If you call the 'old' advice
- [Staff shortages](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/staff-shortages/) - Update (5th July 2023): Our online enquiry service is available again. We hope to open our telephone enquiry service again next week.
- [Are you in ‘precarious work’?](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/are-you-in-precarious-work/) - We are trying to find out about issues affecting people who are in ‘precarious work’, such as zero-hour contracts or any other job where the amount of regular work, and therefore the amount of income, is not guaranteed. If you, or someone you know, is in this situation please consider completing this survey. Your responses
- [Service notice](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/service-notice/) - Due to staff illness and absence, we are not able to offer telephone or online advice next week (week beginning 13th March). If you need help and support, please visit our links page for alternative services and online advice. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to have our full service back as soon
- [Christmas closure 2022/23](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/christmas-closure-2022-23/) - Our charity will be closed from 4pm on Thursday 23rd December and will reopen on Tuesday 3rd January. If you need support during this period, the following may help and we have other sources of support on our ‘links’ page. Citizens Advice opening times over Christmas: https://www.coventrycitizensadvice.org.uk Help with debt problems: https://nationaldebtline.org/ https://www.stepchange.org/hello.aspx Contacting the Department of
- [Telephone advice changes](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/telephone-advice-changes/) - Due to staff shortages, we have changed the operating times of our Adviceline (024 7652 1101). From Monday 18th July 2022, advice will be available by telephone on: Tuesday: 1.30pm to 4.30pmWednesday: 9.30am to 12.30pmFriday: 9.30 am to 12.30pm Although this change represents a reduction in the days we are available by phone, we hope
- [Advice line closed Monday 4th July](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-line-closed-monday-4th-july/) - Due to staff shortages, we are unable to offer our telephone advice line on Monday 4th July 2022. You can still send us an online enquiry or our lines will be open again on Tuesday 5th July between 1.30pm and 4.30pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
- [Advice service update](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-service-update-2/) - From Monday 25th April 2022, our opening times for telephone advice are changing. The new times are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 9.30 am to 12.30 pmTuesday: 1.30 pm to 4.30 pmThursday, Saturday & Sunday: Advice line is closed (but you can still send an online enquiry at any time). When you call, our advisers will try to help with your
- [Christmas and New Year closure](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/christmas-and-new-year-closure/) - Our advice service will be closed from Christmas Eve (24th December) and will reopen on Tuesday 4th January 2022. If you need help and support over the Christmas period, there is some helpful information on the Coventry City Council website. This also includes emergency contact information. You can still send an enquiry using our online
- [Coventry skills survey](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/coventry-skills-survey/) - Coventry City Council has launched a Skills Survey and are asking for Coventry residents to take part. Anyone taking part can be entered into a prize draw for a £50 Love2Shop voucher. The link is below. https://letstalk.coventry.gov.uk/coventry-skills-survey The Skills Survey has been designed to find out Coventry residents’ views on skills provision in the City.
- [Advice service changes](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-service-changes/) - As part of our service strategy we are starting to work alongside community partners to provide some advice and support services, by appointment only, back in the community. These partners include ‘grub hubs’, social supermarkets, Family Hubs and other community organisations. We are working closely with these services to help ensure that the people who
- [Thrive At Work](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/thrive-at-work/) - We are proud to announce that we have been awarded the 'Thrive at Work' Foundation level accreditation in recognition of our work to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone in our charity. Our aim is for all our colleagues to experience good health and wellbeing and to strike a positive work-life balance. The Thrive
- [Advice line changes](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-line-changes/) - In the coming weeks and months we will start to offer some of our services ‘face to face’ again (initially by appointment only). In order to help us manage this we are making a few changes to the hours that our telephone advice line is available. The changes will mean that more advisers will be
- [Lawrence Blanc](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/lawrence-blanc/) - We are saddened to learn that our friend and former colleague, Lawrence Blanc, passed away on Monday 7th June 2021. Lawrence was a valued member of our team and played an important role in the continuing development of our Debt and Money Advice work. All our thoughts are with his wife, family, friends and colleagues
- [Filling in the PIP claim form](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/filling-in-the-pip-claim-form/) - We have added a new video to our website that goes through the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim form and offers help if you need to fill one in. You can find the video on YouTube (with an index to the sections of the form) or watch it in full below. The video is 19
- [New Adviceline number](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/new-adviceline-number/) - If you need advice, you can now call us on 024 7652 1101. This number replaces our mobile phone numbers, making it even easier (and cheaper) to contact us. You can also ask for advice 24 hours a day using our online enquiry form. For non-advice enquiries, our office number is still 024 7652 1100.
- [Volunteering](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/volunteering/) - We are advertising some new opportunities for volunteers. If you would like to offer your existing skills and knowledge, or learn something new, then please get in touch! Full details on our volunteering page.
- [Christmas/New Year closure](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/christmas-new-year-closure/) - Our advice service is now closed for the holidays. We reopen on Monday 4th January 2021. If you need help and support between Christmas and New Year, please check available information on the Coventry City Council website. You can still send us advice enquiries using our online form, but please note that we will not
- [Annual report and impact](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/annual-report-and-impact/) - You can now read our annual report online. The report is also available to download. Here are some brief highlights.
- [Change to telephone advice hours](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/change-to-telephone-advice-hours/) - From week beginning 28th September 2020, our evening telephone service will only be available on Tuesdays (until 7pm). This change will allow us to provide a better service during the daytime when the majority of calls come through, while still providing an evening service for those who need it. You can still send us an
- [Temporary service changes](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/temporary-service-changes/) - Due to staff training, our telephone advice lines will not be available between 12.30pm on Thursday 10th September and 1.30pm on Friday 11th September. You will still be able to send an enquiry using our online form. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
- [Change to advice-line hours](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/change-to-advice-line-hours/) - Please note that the hours we are able to offer advice by telephone have changed. We are now offering an early evening service on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can telephone us for advice on 07923 126 426 or 07923 126 430 each weekday. Lines are now open: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday - 9 am
- [Diversity and inclusion](https://covadvice.org.uk/press-release/diversity-and-inclusion/) - Our Trustee Board have agreed unanimously to sign up to eight leadership principles as part of our commitment to improve diversity and inclusion within our charity. These principles, set out by ACEVO, are part of the Racial Diversity in the Charity Sector report, which was produced in collaboration with the Institute of Fundraising. As a Trustee Board,
- [Tax credits deadline: 31 July 2020](https://covadvice.org.uk/benefits/tax-credits-deadline-31-july-2020/) - If you are getting Tax Credits, you have just one week left to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about changes to your circumstances or income before the deadline on 31 July 2020. If your circumstances have changed in the last year, or you have received a letter to reconfirm their income details, you must
- [We are now open longer!](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/we-are-now-open-longer/) - Our telephone advice lines are now open longer! You can now contact us for advice in a number of ways: Check our self-help page for links to online information resources and details of other services in Coventry.Ask us for advice at any time by using our online enquiry form.Telephone us for advice on 07923 126
- [Advice service update](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-service-update/) - We are still here and working hard to make sure that our communities get all the help and support they need. We are now providing advice and support in a number of ways. Check our self-help page for links to online information resources and details of other services in Coventry. Ask us for advice at
- [How to get advice](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/how-to-get-advice/) - You can now contact us for advice by sending a message online or by calling us. You can use this form to send us an enquiry at any time. You can also phone for advice on either 07923 126 426 or 07923 126 430. Our lines are open between 10 am to 12 noon and
- [We are still here to help!](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/we-are-still-here-to-help/)
- [Suspension of face-to-face advice services](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/suspension-of-face-to-face-advice-services/) - In light of the current situation around Coronavirus, and taking into account government guidance alongside advice from our membership bodies and Trustees, we have reached the difficult decision to suspend our face-to-face advice services with immediate effect. This is not a decision we have taken lightly but we must take steps to protect our staff
- [Advice session calendar](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-session-calendar/) - Please don't forget to check our calendar before travelling to one of our free advice sessions! Sometimes we may have to cancel a 'drop-in' session at short notice due to staff illness or venues being unavailable during holiday periods, for example. So it is always best to check first! You can access the calendar using
- [Christmas closure](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/christmas-closure/) - Our advice services will close at 4.30pm on Monday 23rd December. We will reopen on Thursday 2nd January 2020. For details of all our sessions in the new year, see www.covadvice.org.uk/calendar Citizens Advice Coventry will be open until 12 noon on Christmas Eve. Their national adviceline number is 03444 11144 or visit www.advicebuddy.org Emergency food
- [Do you live in Tanyard Farm?](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/do-you-live-in-tanyard-farm/) - If you live in Tanyard Farm, you are now able to access a new benefits advice service that is exclusive to local residents. Thanks to support from Orbit, we can now offer all Tanyard Farm residents individual advice in your own home or another suitable location. The service is completely free of charge. You may like
- [Service change in Wood End](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/service-change-in-wood-end/) - We are sorry to announce that, in future, we will not be offering a weekly drop-in advice service at the Moat House Neighbourhood and Leisure Centre in Wood End. Our last session there will be on Thursday 19th November 2019. But don’t worry! We will still be delivering three other weekly advice sessions nearby. These
- [Annual report](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/annual-report/) - We have published our annual report online. In the report, you can find lots of information about our activities during the year, about the work we do and about our impact in Coventry. Further information, including our financial accounts, can also be accessed via the annual report section of our website.
- [We are recruiting!](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/we-are-recruiting/) - We have a vacancy in our advice team for an experienced Caseworker who will help deliver our service at community venues across Coventry. For more details see https://covadvice.org.uk/vacancies/ If you fit the bill, we would love to hear from you!
- [Our impact](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/our-impact/) - We have designed a new infographic that helps demonstrates our impact in Coventry. This has been produced to coincide with our Annual General Meeting on 11th October 2019.
- [Annual General Meeting](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/annual-general-meeting-2/) - We would like to give notice that our annual general meeting is taking place on Friday 11th October 2019 at Coventry (Methodist) Central Hall, Lower Hall, Warwick Lane, Coventry, CV1 2HA. Refreshments will be available from 12:00 pm and the meeting will start at 12.15 pm, followed by a buffet lunch. If you would like
- [Benefit appeals and people charging for advice](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/benefit-appeals-and-people-charging-for-advice/) - We have issued the following press release today, alongside colleagues from Coventry Citizens Advice and Central England Law Centre, in response to recent enquiries from local residents who are being charged for benefits advice by other individuals and organisations in the city. Welfare reform has meant changes for many people claiming benefits. The welfare benefit
- [Advice in Spon End](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-in-spon-end/) - Please note that our drop-in advice service in Spon End, based at Spon Gate Primary School, will be closed during the school summer holidays. The last session before the holidays will be on Friday 19th July. The service will then reopen as normal on Friday 13th September. Please be assured that we have plenty of
- [NHS prescription costs and advice](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/nhs-prescription-costs-and-advice/) - We have been working with students from Warwick University to develop helpful information about getting help with the cost of NHS prescriptions and challenging NHS penalty notices. You can find out more on our advice pages.
- [Need help to claim Universal Credit?](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/need-help-to-claim-universal-credit/) - Coventry Citizens Advice have been awarded a contract by the government to support you to make a new claim for Universal Credit, from opening your account to receiving your first full payment. They can help to set-up your Universal Credit account, verify your identity, help you to provide the right evidence to support your claim
- [EU citizens and ‘settled status’](https://covadvice.org.uk/benefits/eu-citizens-and-settled-status/)
- [We are coming to Radford!](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/we-are-coming-to-radford/) - We are really pleased to announce that we are launching a new ‘drop-in’ advice session in Radford. The first session will be on Friday 15th March 2019 and will run every Friday until further notice. Our adviser will be available between 9.30am and 12 noon. The session will be at Pathways Family Hub which is
- [Claim Pension Credit now!](https://covadvice.org.uk/benefits/claim-pension-credit-now/) - At the moment, someone over 65 living in a couple (married or unmarried) can claim Pension Credit regardless of their partners age. However, from 15 May 2019, they will only be able to claim Pension Credit if BOTH partners are over state pension age. It is estimated that this change could mean people losing out
- [Advice in Willenhall](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-in-willenhall/) - Please note that all our advice sessions in Willenhall are now based at the Wood Side Family Hub on Middle Ride (next to 'The Hut'). We are not currently delivering any sessions from The Hagard Community Centre. Drop-in sessions at Wood Side Family Hub are on Mondays (9.30 until 12 noon) and Wednesday (9.30 to
- [Stoke Aldermoor service closure](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/stoke-aldermoor-service-closure/) - It is with regret that we have to announce that we are currently unable to offer advice services in Stoke Aldermoor. This has been a difficult decision but has had to be taken due to a combination of factors, including long term staff shortages. Stoke Aldermoor residents are able to attend any of our other
- [Summer changes](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/summer-changes/) - Due to staff shortages, and some building closures over the summer, we need to make some temporary changes to our advice service delivery. We strongly advise you to check our live calendar to see which advice services are running each day or to call us on 024 76521100 before travelling. Please note that due to
- [Changes to advice services in Willenhall](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/changes-to-advice-services-in-willenhall/) - Due to changes in availability of venues and other operational matters, we have had to make some changes to our regular advice services in Willenhall. From week beginning 1st July 2018 we will be delivering the following 'drop-in' (no appointment needed) sessions in Willenhall: Every Wednesday: Wood Side Family Hub, Middle Ride (next to 'The
- [Showing our quality!](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/showing-our-quality/) - We are celebrating after being awarded the Advice Quality Standard (AQS), a nationally recognised quality mark for organisations providing free, independent advice to members of the public. We are delighted to have been awarded the AQS as it helps to show people across Coventry, as well as those funding our service, that we are working
- [Temporary office closure](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/temporary-office-closure/) - Due to a major internal reorganisation, our administrative office will close at 12:30pm on Thursday 1st March and will not reopen until Monday 5th March at 9.30am. During this time, our telephone lines will not be available and we may not have access to email. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Our drop-in
- [Caseworker vacancy](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/caseworker-vacancy/) - If you're still thinking about applying for our Caseworker vacancy, the application window closes at 2pm today! Thanks to everyone who took a look, and to those of you who have applied so far. We will be in touch with shortlisted applicants later tomorrow.
- [Spon End drop-in update](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/spon-end-drop-in-update/) - Advice sessions at Spon Gate Children's Centre (based in Spon Gate Primary School) will be back to normal from Friday 19th January 2018. The boiler has now been fixed so the building is lovely and warm again! The drop-in session (no appointment needed) starts at 9.30 am and runs every Friday. Details of all our
- [New Year advice sessions](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/new-year-advice-sessions/) - We reopen on Tuesday 2nd January with drop-in advice sessions at: Holbrooks Community Care Association (from 9:00am), and St Peters Centre, Hillfields (from 9:30am) Our usual Tuesday session at Moat House Neighbourhood and Leisure Centre has unfortunately been cancelled due to staff availability. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Full details of all sessions running
- [Foodbanks over Christmas](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/foodbanks-over-christmas/) - All the usual Foodbank Centres will be closed during Christmas week except: Wednesday 27th December, from 11.00 am until 1.00 pm, at St Oswald’s Foodbank, Jardine Crescent CV4 9NW Saturday 30th December, from 10.00 am until 12.00 noon, at Church of God of Prophecy, 23 Victoria Street CV1 5NA Emergency boxes will be available at
- [Happy Christmas!](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/happy-christmas/) - All our staff, volunteers and trustees would like to wish you a very happy Christmas period and all our best wishes for 2018. Our advice service will be closed from 1pm on Friday 22nd December with most of our sessions reopening on Tuesday 2nd January. For details of all our advice services in the new
- [Spon End drop-in notice](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/spon-end-drop-in-notice/) - We have been informed that the heating at Spon Gate School is broken and so we will be unable to are unable to offer our normal drop-in advice session this coming Friday (15th December). There is an alternative advice session available this Friday, between 9.30 - 12 noon, at Stoke Library, The Kingsway, CV2 4EA.
- [Monday 11th December 2017](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/monday-11th-december-2017/) - Due to the bad weather, we are unable to offer any of our normal advice sessions today. This is due to building closures and travel difficulties. If you have an appointment to see one of our advisers today, please call us on 024 76521100. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Hopefully, normal service will be
- [NAWRA conference](https://covadvice.org.uk/events/nawra-conference/) - We are really proud to be hosting the National Association of Welfare Rights Advisers (NAWRA) conference in Coventry on Friday 1st December 2017. NAWRA brings together advisers from across the UK for a day of workshops, guest speakers and information sharing. We expect to welcome around 100 advisers from organisations including charities like ourselves, local
- [Coventry Food Charter](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/coventry-food-charter/) - In April 2017, The Trussell Trust reported that their network of 428 food banks gave out nearly a record number of 1.2 million three-day emergency food supplies. Issues of hunger, poverty and injustice are at the forefront of debate right now. One recent development is the Coventry Food Charter, which sets out a vision for
- [Annual General Meeting 2017](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/annual-general-meeting-2017/) - We would like to give advance notice of our annual general meeting (AGM). It will be held on Friday 3rd November at 11.00am at Queens Road Baptist Church. Full details here. All of our 'drop-in' sessions will operate as normal but our main office and telephone lines will be closed until 2pm.
- [Annual report 2016/17](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/annual-report-201617/) - You can now download our annual report for 2016/2017. This includes a report on our activities and achievements, as well as our independently examined accounts. This report is subject to approval at our annual general meeting on 3rd November 2017.
- [Privacy and data protection](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/privacy-and-data-protection/) - In order to deal with your problems, and to help us demonstrate the value of our service, we may ask to collect and store personal and sensitive information about you. To give more information about the reasons why we might need to collect information about you, and what we will do with that information, we
- [Advice in Canley](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-in-canley/) - Unfortunately, due to staffing changes and access difficulties, we have reluctantly had to suspend our 'drop-in' advice service from Canley Children's Centre at Charter Primary School. The nearest alternative session is now at Tile Hill Children's Centre/Family Hub in Jardin Crescent. That advice session is every Wednesday, from 9.30am. We do hope to return to
- [Voluntary opportunities](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/voluntary-opportunities/) - We are currently recruiting volunteer trustees to join our board, along with customer service volunteers. For more details on both of these opportunities, visit our job vacancies page
- [Advice in Stoke Library](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-in-stoke-library/) - We are really pleased to announce that a new 'drop-in' advice session will start at Stoke Library, Kingsway, CV2 4EA, on Friday 8th September. The session will run every Friday from 9:30 am. You do not need an appointment but please note that the time available is limited and our adviser is normally only able to
- [Advice sessions in Wyken to close (for now...)](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-sessions-in-wyken-to-close-for-now/) - We are sorry to announce that our drop-in sessions at Richard Lee Children Centre in Wyken are to close. The last session will be on Monday 24th July. We hope to announce a new service in the area over the summer. But, for now, we would like to thank Ruth and all the team at
- [Changes in Wood End](https://covadvice.org.uk/uncategorized/changes-in-wood-end/) - From Monday 18th April 2016, our service delivery in Wood End is changing. From that point forward, the 'drop-in' sessions will be held: Monday afternoons (1.30-4.00 pm) at Moat House Children's Centre (part of Moat House Community Primary School), Deedmore Road CV2 1EQ. Tuesday mornings (9.30-12 noon) at Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre, Winston
- [Further changes in Willenhall](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/further-changes-in-willenhall/) - From Monday 12th June 2017 we will be moving our regular Monday drop-in advice session at The Hagard Community Centre to a new home at Willenhall Education Employment & Training Centre, 239 Robin Hood Rd, Coventry CV3 3AN. The session starts at 1:30pm and people are seen on a 'first come, first served' basis. Please
- [Willenhall advice session changes](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/willenhall-advice-session-changes/) - Due to staffing changes at the Hagard Community Centre in Willenhall, we have had to reduce the times that our advice sessions are available. With immediate effect, our 'drop-in' sessions (no appointments needed) on Monday and Thursdays will now run from 1.30pm until 3.30pm only. Please note that our session on Wednesday at the Hagard
- [Advice service in Wyken](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-service-in-wyken/) - In October 2016, we will be making a change to our advice service delivery in the Wyken area. Our advice 'drop-in' sessions will move from a Friday to a Monday each week. From Monday 3rd October 2016, and then every Monday from there on, advice will be available between 9.00am and 11.30am at Richard Lee
- [Advice in Holbrooks](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-in-holbrooks/) - Due to building works, we have had to temporarily move our sessions in Holbrooks to the Community Centre on John Shelton Drive (CV6 4PE). This change is likely to be in effect until at least the middle of November. To avoid any confusion, we suggest you check with us before travelling. You can call us
- [Sanctions helpline](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/sanctions-helpline/) - Coventry Law Centre are running a telephone helpline to advise people who have had benefits sanctioned. They can help to challenge the decisions and get back benefits that have been withheld. Research has found that 90% of appeals on sanctions are being won. Call the helpline on 024 7625 3160 (Monday to Friday, 11am to
- [Job vacancy](https://covadvice.org.uk/job-vacancy/job-vacancy-2/) - We have a vacancy for a Senior Debt Caseworker to join our team following the departure of an existing member of staff. You can find more details of the vacancy at http://covadvice.org.uk/about-us/job-vacancies/
- [Drop-in cancellations](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/drop-in-cancellations/) - We have had to cancel some of our drop-in sessions over the next few weeks due to a combination of illness, holidays and the general election. Please check our live calendar, or call us on 024 7652 1100 before travelling to our venues. You can view the live calendar at http://covadvice.org.uk/advice/ We apologise for any
- [Christmas and New Year opening hours](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/christmas-opening/) - We will not be delivering any drop-in advice sessions in Coventry on either Thursday 22nd December or Friday 23rd December 2016. On these dates we will operate a telephone only advice service, on 024 7652 1100, as follows: Thursday 22nd December - between 09:30-12:30 and 13:30-16:30 Friday 23rd December - between 09:30 and 12:30 only
- [Advice in Holbrooks - update](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/advice-in-holbrooks-update/) - We have been informed that our sessions in Holbrooks will be moving back to the usual venue, Holbrooks Community Care Association on Holbrook Lane, from Tuesday 6th December 2016. Due to continuing building works, and the move back to the original venue, there will be no advice sessions in Holbrooks on: Tuesday 29th November (morning);
- [Would you like to work with us?](https://covadvice.org.uk/job-vacancy/would-you-like-to-work-with-us/) - We have a job vacancy for a Generalist Caseworker to join our advice team. Full details can be found on our jobs page. If you meet the person specification, and would like to join us, we would love to hear from you!
- [Phone issues](https://covadvice.org.uk/service_info/phone-issues/) - There is currently a problem with us receiving calls from mobile phones on the '3' network. We have reported it to '3' and they have said that their engineers are working to fix a problem in the Coventry area. They say that this problem may not be fully resolved until 20th November. If you are
- [Annual General Meeting](https://covadvice.org.uk/uncategorized/annual-general-meeting/) - Our Annual General Meeting will be held at 12 noon on Friday 14th October 2016 at Queens Road Baptist Church, Queens Road, Coventry, CV1 3EG. Our guest speaker will be Dr Michael Orton, Senior Research Fellow in the Institute for Employment Research at University of Warwick. Further information is available here.
- [Holiday closures](https://covadvice.org.uk/uncategorized/holiday-closures/) - Some of the venues we use for our advice sessions will be closed over part of the school holiday period. This means that we have had to cancel some of our normally advertised sessions. The main venues affected are: Stoke Aldermoor (Aldermoor Life Centre); and Spon End (Spon Gate Children's Centre). We may also have
- [Advice service survey 2016](https://covadvice.org.uk/survey/advice-service-survey-2016/) - If you have used our advice services in the past year, either at a 'drop-in' session or by appointment, we would like to hear from you! It is really important that we get feedback on our service so that we know what we are getting right and where we need to improve. If you would
- [New advice session in Wyken](https://covadvice.org.uk/uncategorized/new-advice-session-in-wyken/) - From Friday 22nd January 2016, you will be able to get advice at our new 'drop-in' advice session at Richard Lee Children's Centre in Wyken. An adviser will be available between 9.00 am until 11.30 am. No appointments are needed. This additional service means that we are now offering 'drop-in' services in ten areas of
- [New advice session in Stoke Aldermoor](https://covadvice.org.uk/uncategorized/new-advice-session-in-stoke-aldermoor/) - We are really pleased to announce that we are launching a new advice service in the Stoke Aldermoor area. From Thursday 14th April 2016 an adviser will be at the Aldermoor Life Centre on Round House Road every Thursday from 9.30-12 noon. No appointment is needed - just 'drop-in'! This new session means that we
- [Social care information](https://covadvice.org.uk/uncategorized/social-care-information/) - Developed by the advice and technology charity Lasa, socialcareinfo is a new web tool designed to help people find details of the social care support available to them locally; national information about their rights and entitlements; and details of local independent advice organisations. We now have a link to this service from our 'get advice'
- [Christmas and New Year opening](https://covadvice.org.uk/uncategorized/christmas-and-new-year-opening/) - Our drop-in advice services will open as normal up to, and including, Tuesday 22nd December 2015. After that our service availability will be as follows: Weds 23rd Dec - telephone advice only (until 4pm) Thurs 24th Dec - telephone advice only (until 12 noon) then closed Fri 25th Dec until Friday 1st Jan 2016 -
- [New advice session in Bell Green](https://covadvice.org.uk/uncategorized/new-advice-session-in-bell-green/) - From Friday 6th November, you will be able to get advice at our new 'drop-in' advice session at Bell Green library. An adviser will be available between 1.30 pm until 4.00 pm - no appointments are needed. You can also get advice at Bell Green library on Thursdays (9.30am to 12.00 noon). This session replaces
- [Our Annual General Meeting](https://covadvice.org.uk/uncategorized/our-annual-general-meeting/) - Our Annual General Meeting is due to take place on Wednesday 21 October 2015 at Hagard Community Centre, Remembrance Road, Willenhall, Coventry CV3 3DP. You can find more information, and download important documents, on our Annual General Meeting page.
- [Benefits and tax credits are changing](https://covadvice.org.uk/uncategorized/benefits-and-tax-credits-are-changing/) - The governments welfare reforms are having a big impact on people in the city. The City Council, voluntary and community groups and Housing Associations in Coventry are working together to support people affected by welfare reform. We have jointly published a leaflet that aims to help people to take control of their circumstances and to
- [Job vacancy](https://covadvice.org.uk/job-vacancy/job-vacancy/) - We are currently looking for a Senior Caseworker (Debt/Money Advice) to join our team. Further details can be obtained by following the link below: Senior Caseworker job advert The closing date is Monday 5th October 2015 and interviews will be held on Thursday 15th October 2015.
- [Website updated](https://covadvice.org.uk/uncategorized/website-updated/) - We have launched a fully updated version of our website today. This includes the beta version of a calendar, showing our advice sessions in real time, maps and other additional content. Hopefully you will find it easier to get the information you need. If you have suggestions for further improvements please email info@covadvice.org.uk
- [Website launched](https://covadvice.org.uk/uncategorized/website-launched/) - We have launched our website today. We will continue to develop the site over the coming months so please check back for news and further updates.

## Pages

- [Welcome](https://covadvice.org.uk/) - Coventry Independent Advice Service is a charity offering free advice, information and support. We hold the Advice Quality Standard, a national quality mark for organisations providing free, independent advice to members of the public. Our service is confidential and our skilled advisers can help you with things like: Identifying entitlement to benefits and helping you
- [Work with us](https://covadvice.org.uk/vacancies/) - We currently have vacancies for: Debt Caseworker - Health Justice Partnership (paid role) Trustee/Treasurer (voluntary position) Debt Caseworker – Health Justice Partnership Location: Coventry and Warwickshire. Hybrid working arrangements available. Hours: Part-time, flexible. Salary: Up to £30,123 (pro rata) Closing date: Monday 16th March 2026 at 12 noon. Coventry Independent Advice Service is a community advice
- [Grants search](https://covadvice.org.uk/grants-search/) - If you have financial difficulties or are on a low income, you might be able to apply for a grant from a charity or grant-giving organisation. Grants can be given as money, products or services and they don't have to be paid back. All charitable funds have specific rules (or eligibility criteria) that an individual
- [Help to claim PIP](https://covadvice.org.uk/help-to-claim-pip/) - A step by step guide to applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), provided by the charity Turn2us. PIP helps with extra costs if you have a disability or long-term physical or mental health condition. Your browser does not support iframes.
- [Benefits Calculator](https://covadvice.org.uk/benefits-calculator/) - Millions of people are missing out on thousands of pounds. Check what you are entitled to now. This calculator is provided by Turn2us, a national charity offering information and practical help to people facing financial insecurity. Your browser does not support iframes.
- [Get advice](https://covadvice.org.uk/advice/) - Coventry Independent Advice Service offers: Weekly drop-in. No appointment is needed, but if you need help with completing benefit claim forms we strongly advise you to call us for an appointment to avoid disappointment. Time is limited at our drop-in sessions and we may not be able to help everyone who attends. Holbrooks Community Care
- [Comments and complaints](https://covadvice.org.uk/about-us/comments_complaints/) - If you have any positive feedback or suggestions for how we could improve our services please email us at info@covadvice.org.uk or send your comments by post to the address opposite. We really do appreciate you taking the time to contact us. We are a charity registered in England and Wales (no. 1015216). Our debt advice
- [Contact us](https://covadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-to-find-us/) - If you want to speak to an adviser you can: Call 024 76521100 during our advertised office hours Email info@covadvice.org.uk. We also offer a What'sApp service for text messages only. The number is 07990 364992. (Please note that calls to this number are not not answered so please do not make voice calls or leave
- [Our partners](https://covadvice.org.uk/about-us/our-partners/) - We would like to thank our partners who provide funding, premises, or other resources to help us deliver our essential advice services. These are listed alphabetically and include: Cadent Gas Central England Law Centre Feeding Coventry Foleshill Community Centre Holbrooks Community Care Association Holbrooks Community Centre John White Community Centre, Binley Money and Pensions Service
- [Our trustees](https://covadvice.org.uk/about-us/our-trustees/) - Charity trustees play a very important role. They are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing our charity and directing how it is managed and run. They do not receive any payment and give their time freely to ensure that Coventry Independent Advice Service is run in accordance with our governing document and the
- [Other help available](https://covadvice.org.uk/advice/other-sources-of-help/) - This page should be helpful if you are looking for advice and information. We will add more links and contact information, so you can check back here regularly. National information Debt and benefits advice Money Helper - a new resource from the Money Advice Service, Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise. It offers impartial guidance that’s backed
- [Privacy notice](https://covadvice.org.uk/about-us/privacy_notice/) - This privacy notice is for our clients and other service users. We have a separate policy for staff and members of our charity. In order to help us deal with your problem, and to help us demonstrate the value of our service, we may ask to collect and store personal and sensitive information about you.
- [Help getting online](https://covadvice.org.uk/community-digital/) - Throughout 2025 we are helping local people with their digital skills. We are running FREE drop-in sessions in local libraries and other community venues across Coventry. For the latest information please check our Facebook page. Whether you have never used a computer before or want to improve your skills, we can help you to: Learn
- [Help with NHS prescription costs](https://covadvice.org.uk/advice/help-with-nhs-prescription-costs/) - The NHS website contains up-to-date information about all the schemes available. You can also use the NHS eligibility checker to find out if you are able to get support. It should take less than 5 minutes to check. We have also produced a guide that can be downloaded below. Am I entitled to free prescriptions?Download Penalty charges You
- [Support us](https://covadvice.org.uk/support-us/) - We are a registered charity and rely on funding, donations and other support. In these difficult times, funding is harder to find and so we need your help. You can make a donation, or you might also like to help us by doing some voluntary work or join our Trustee Board. If you are able
- [Volunteering](https://covadvice.org.uk/volunteering/) - Thank you for wanting to make a difference in your community! You can help to make a positive difference to the lives of people in Coventry. The contribution of people like you is vital to our work and we will make sure that your time with us will be rewarding and enjoyable. We know that
- [Our impact](https://covadvice.org.uk/about-us/our-impact/) - Our CEO, Alan Markey, talks to Andrew Forsey of Feeding Britain about the value of the work we are doing in Coventry Social Supermarkets. Alan talks about the support available and the benefits of locating advice services within communities.
- [Annual Report](https://covadvice.org.uk/about-us/annual_report/) - You can access our annual reports and accounts directly on the Charity Commission website. One of our earlier annual reports can be accessed below. This may help you get a flavour of what we do. You can also download our Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- [Equality, Diversity and Inclusion](https://covadvice.org.uk/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/) - In 2018, the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) published the report 'Racial Diversity in the Charity Sector', which identified eight principles for charity organisations. These are to: Acknowledge that there is a problem with racial diversity in the charity sector and commit to working to change that. Recognise the important role leaders
- [Links](https://covadvice.org.uk/links/) - These links will help you to find useful information and get assistance from other organisations, locally and nationally. There is a wide range of self-help information and support available on line that may help you to get an immediate answer to your query without the need to wait or make an appointment. For example: Advicenow provides
- [About us](https://covadvice.org.uk/about-us/) - Coventry Independent Advice Service offers free, confidential, community-based advice in Coventry. We hold the Advice Quality Standard, a nationally recognised quality mark for organisations providing free, independent advice to members of the public. We are a charity registered in England and Wales (no. 1015216) and have a Trustee Board made up of voluntary representatives from
- [Feedback](https://covadvice.org.uk/feedback/) - If you have used our advice services (whether in person, on the phone or online) we would love to hear from you! It is really important that we get feedback on our service so that we know what we are getting right and where we need to improve. You can give us your feedback using
- [People in precarious or unstable work](https://covadvice.org.uk/people-in-precarious-or-unstable-work/) - We have produced a new video aimed at people in precarious or unstable work. This is often referred to as the 'gig economy' and includes zero-hour contracts and similar work. You can view the video below. We would like to thank students from University of Warwick who helped produce the video.
- [Universal Credit - managing your online account](https://covadvice.org.uk/advice/universal-credit-managing-your-online-account/) - We have produced a resource that can help you to manage your Universal Credit account online. It includes details about accessing your journal, reporting changes and other helpful information. Your_Universal_Credit_JournalDownload Thanks to students at University of Warwick for their help in producing this resource.
- [Video advice - financial independence](https://covadvice.org.uk/advice/video-advice-financial-independence/) - This film has been created to ​support youth with learning disabilities think about what financial independence could mean for them. Managing your money, making good financial decisions and being all round financially independent are difficult for everyone, but having a learning disability can make it more challenging. Financial independence is the right to have and control
- [Strategy](https://covadvice.org.uk/about-us/strategy/)
- [Video advice - filling out a PIP claim form](https://covadvice.org.uk/advice/video-advice-filling-out-a-pip-claim-form/) - This video was produced in partnership with students from Warwick University.
- [Video advice - Council Tax](https://covadvice.org.uk/advice/video-advice-council-tax/) - These videos were made thanks to the support and commitment of Emily Bahous, Netwon Tham and Polly Sokolovska - a team of students on the Public Legal Education module at Warwick University - and our Benefits Advice Manager, Diane Goolding. Thank you also to Dr Tara Mulqueen, Assistant Professor at Warwick University Law School. We
- [Appointments policy](https://covadvice.org.uk/about-us/appointments-policy/) - As an advice charity, we try to do the best that we can to provide a high-quality service to as many clients as we can. Our service is always in high demand and many people in Coventry need our help. An important part of our service is to advise clients by appointment. Sometimes this

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://covadvice.org.uk/category/uncategorized/)
- [Job vacancy](https://covadvice.org.uk/category/job-vacancy/)
- [Survey](https://covadvice.org.uk/category/survey/)
- [Service_info](https://covadvice.org.uk/category/service_info/)
- [Events](https://covadvice.org.uk/category/events/)
- [Benefits](https://covadvice.org.uk/category/benefits/)
- [Press release](https://covadvice.org.uk/category/press-release/)
- [Diversity and inclusion](https://covadvice.org.uk/category/diversity-and-inclusion/)

## Tags

- [Holbrooks](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/holbrooks/)
- [Willenhall](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/willenhall/)
- [Wood End](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/wood-end/)
- [Wyken](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/wyken/)
- [Drop-in](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/drop-in/)
- [Advice](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/advice/)
- [Spon End](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/spon-end/)
- [Stoke Aldermoor](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/stoke-aldermoor/)
- [Pension Credit](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/pension-credit/)
- [take up](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/take-up/)
- [claim](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/claim/)
- [family hub](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/family-hub/)
- [Benefits](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/benefits/)
- [right to reside](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/right-to-reside/)
- [settled status](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/settled-status/)
- [EU nationals](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/eu-nationals/)
- [EU](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/eu/)
- [Brexit](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/brexit/)
- [NHS](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/nhs/)
- [Prescriptions](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/prescriptions/)
- [press release](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/press-release/)
- [fee-charging](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/fee-charging/)
- [annual report](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/annual-report/)
- [contact](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/contact/)
- [help](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/help/)
- [universal credit](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/universal-credit/)
- [PIP](https://covadvice.org.uk/tag/pip/)

## Stats Types

- [view](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/view/)
- [Chrome](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/chrome/)
- [Macintosh](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/macintosh/)
- [Safari](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/safari/)
- [Firefox](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/firefox/)
- [Windows](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/windows/)
- [Android](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/android/)
- [Linux](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/linux/)
- [iPhone](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/iphone/)
- [event](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/event/)
- [Samsung Browser](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/samsung-browser/)
- [iPad](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/ipad/)
- [unknown](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/unknown/)
- [Internet Explorer](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/internet-explorer/)
- [Chromium](https://covadvice.org.uk/wpa-stats-type/chromium/)