Tenby hosts free Citizens Advice drop‑in sessions in October
Tenby residents can get free advice on benefits, debt and housing at the town council’s De Valence Pavilion on 8 and 22 October.
Free, face‑to‑face advice will be on offer in Tenby on two Thursdays in October as Citizens Advice sets up drop‑in sessions at the town council’s De Valence Pavilion.
The sessions run from 10 am to 1 pm on 8 October and again on 22 October, giving residents a three‑hour window to obtain help on benefits, debt, housing and a range of other issues.
Citizens Advice, a national charity with more than 300 offices across the UK, provides independent advice to anyone who needs it, and its Tenby outreach forms part of a wider programme to bring services into community hubs.
Tenby’s town council has made the Upper Frog Street venue available, allowing the charity to operate in a familiar, centrally‑located setting that is easily reached on foot or by public transport.
Local residents are encouraged to walk in without an appointment, although the charity will also arrange follow‑up meetings between the two drop‑in dates for more complex cases.
The coastal town of Tenby, with a permanent population of around 15,000, attracts a large seasonal influx of tourists each summer, creating a fluctuating demand for housing and employment support.
Housing pressures have risen in recent years, with many households facing rising rents and limited affordable options, while the town’s sizeable retiree community often relies on benefit entitlements.
Debt advice is also a priority, as national figures show that a growing proportion of households are struggling with loan repayments and credit‑card balances.
“We want to make sure people know there is a safe, confidential space where they can get practical help,” said a Citizens Advice representative, adding that the drop‑in model removes barriers such as long waiting times.
The sessions are staffed by trained advisers who can provide guidance on Universal Credit, council tax support, mortgage difficulties and landlord‑tenant disputes.
People dealing with mental health concerns or caring responsibilities are also welcomed, with advisers able to signpost to specialist services.
Tenby Town Council’s chief executive welcomed the initiative, noting that the partnership strengthens the town’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents.
“Providing the venue is a small but important way we can help our community access the advice they need,” the chief executive said.
Citizens Advice operates a national helpline and an online portal, but the face‑to‑face service remains vital for those who prefer personal interaction or lack reliable internet access.
Local charities and community groups have praised the drop‑in sessions, saying they complement existing support networks such as the Tenby Foodbank and the Pembrokeshire Age Concern.
While the October dates are fixed, the charity has indicated that additional sessions may be scheduled later in the year depending on demand.
Anyone unable to attend the drop‑in times can contact Citizens Advice directly to arrange a private appointment, ensuring that help remains accessible throughout the year.
The initiative reflects a broader trend across Wales, where local authorities and voluntary organisations are collaborating to deliver services closer to the people who need them.
With the autumn months often bringing financial strain after the summer tourist season, the timing of the sessions aims to address emerging concerns before they become entrenched problems.
Residents are urged to take advantage of the free advice on offer, as early intervention can prevent small issues from escalating into more serious financial or legal difficulties.
Citizens Advice’s presence in Tenby underscores the charity’s commitment to reaching out to communities across the country, reinforcing the principle that help should be just a few steps away.