Citizens Advice bureaux in Suffolk have united to celebrate a significant milestone.

Five Citizens Advice organisations across Suffolk joined in celebrations to mark the 85th anniversary of Citizens Advice.

The occasion was held at the Ravenwood Hotel, bringing together representatives from Citizens Advice West Suffolk, Citizens Advice Mid Suffolk, Sudbury and South Suffolk Citizens Advice, Citizens Advice East Suffolk and Citizens Advice Ipswich.

Together, these charities assisted 28,921 individuals in tackling 133,270 issues in 2023/24.

Now a national institution, the first 200 Citizens Advice Bureaux opened on 4 September 1939 Now a national institution, the first 200 Citizens Advice Bureaux opened on 4 September 1939 (Image: Submitted)

The support resulted in an income boost of £8.5million for clients and enabled efficient management of more than £9m in debt.

The noted numbers are direct outcomes of the 161,844 email, telephone, and in-person interactions that took place during the period.

Even as independent charities, the local Citizens Advice offices make a profound impact, relying considerably on volunteers who contribute their time alongside paid staff.

Last year, volunteers in Suffolk alone donated 82,070 hours, estimated to be worth £2.8m.

Despite misconceptions, the local Citizens Advice offices are not directly funded by the central government.

Toby Parsons cutting the celebration cake Toby Parsons cutting the celebration cake (Image: Submitted)

Rather, they constantly juggle financial pressures, seeking grants and project funds from numerous sources such as local councils, Suffolk Community Foundation, trusts, and private sector organisations.

Financially, every £1 of funding received is proven to generate £26.12 in public value.

The demand, however, only grows with cost-of-living struggles exerting pressure for more volunteers and financial backing.

Over 85 years, trends in advice-seeking have changed, with housing and debt issues often featuring prominently.

All of the Suffolk Citizens Advice offices rely heavily on volunteers to work alongside their paid teams All of the Suffolk Citizens Advice offices rely heavily on volunteers to work alongside their paid teams (Image: Submitted)

Recently, the greatest increase has been among people seeking assistance to apply for benefits for the first time.

While the gathering served to celebrate the milestone, it also emphasized the persistent need and relevance of Citizens Advice.

It has remained a constant aid for millions, today just as much as in its early days 85 years ago.