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| | This month's highlights include: Save the Date: Our 2026 AGM Strengthening Welfare Rights support in Doncaster National Visit - Digital Inclusion Connecting with the North New Partnership with Doncaster Council Welcoming our new Trustees Updates for 2026
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| A View from the CEO - March 2026
As we move from March into April, it’s been another busy and productive period across Citizens Advice Doncaster Borough.
Demand for our services remains high, and alongside delivering support day-to-day, we’ve continued to build partnerships, launch new initiatives, and make sure the voices of people in Doncaster are heard where it matters.
Looking Ahead to Spring As we head into April, I’m personally looking forward to a bit of time over the Easter break to pause, recharge, and spend some quality time with family, something that often feels in short supply during the busier months.
A Reflection on Funding and the Sector On the funding front, it’s encouraging to see new opportunities starting to emerge for our sector, something we absolutely welcome given the demand we’re all seeing. However, it’s important to be honest about the challenges that come with this. Too often, funding is released with very short turnaround times, making it difficult to respond in a way that truly reflects the needs of our communities. Strong partnerships, meaningful projects, and genuine community involvement don’t happen overnight, they take time, trust, and collaboration.
Alongside this, we’re seeing wider challenges across the VCSE sector. The recent closure of Dial and Live Inclusive has been felt across Doncaster. Both organisations played an important role in supporting local communities, and their loss is significant. It highlights a reality many of us are facing, increasing demand, limited resources, and ongoing funding pressures.
As Citizens Advice Doncaster Borough, we’re committed to playing our part in supporting the wider sector, whether that’s through sharing insight, creating opportunities for collaboration, or offering practical support. Because more than ever, we are stronger when we work together. We’ll continue to step up, collaborate, and bring forward strong proposals, but we’ll also keep making the case that better planning and longer timelines lead to better impact.
Building Community Capacity We were pleased to launch our Community Champions Programme, an important step in building local capacity and empowering communities to support one another. By equipping people with the right knowledge and confidence, we can help ensure support is available earlier and closer to where people live.
Digital Inclusion in Focus We also welcomed national Citizens Advice colleagues to Doncaster to see our Digital Inclusion work in action. As more services move online, this work has never been more important. It’s about making sure people aren’t excluded simply because they lack access, skills, or confidence.
Energy Support in the Community We delivered an Energy Day of Action, working with partners to provide practical advice and support to residents facing rising energy costs. Getting support out into communities in this way remains a key part of how we reach those most in need.
Continuing to Champion Doncaster Alongside our frontline work, we continue to ensure that the experiences of people in Doncaster are reflected in local and national conversations, particularly around cost of living, housing, welfare, and health.
🎉We’re delighted to share that we’ve officially achieved Cyber Essentials+ accreditation!
This certification shows our commitment to keeping our systems, data, and community safe. A huge thank‑you to everyone involved in helping us reach this milestone.
Staying secure is a team effort, and this accreditation is an important step in strengthening the way we work.
Thank you to Twentyfour IT and to our amazing team. Your hard work and dedication are making an incredible impact.
Let's keep up the great work
James Woods |
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Save the Date - Friday 26th June 2026
We’re excited announce the date for our Annual General Meeting on Friday 26 June 2026.
It’s a chance to come together, celebrate the impact we’ve made across our communities, and look towards opportunities and challenges for the year ahead. This year’s AGM will bring together our members, partners, volunteers, supporters, and local organisations for an inspiring look at how we’re helping people across Doncaster find the advice, support, and confidence they need to move forward. You’ll hear real stories of change, meet the people behind our work, explore new projects and partnerships, and help shape our direction for the future. It’s a brilliant opportunity to connect, collaborate, and be part of something that genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives. We’d love you to join us and be part of the conversation To book your place follow the link below
👉Click here to book your place |
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| Welcoming Our New Colleagues and Strengthening Welfare Rights Support in Doncaster
Following last month’s announcement about the Local Authority Welfare Rights and Tribunal Service contract, we’re pleased to share an important update. We’ve now welcomed former members of the DIAL team into Citizens Advice Doncaster Borough, into our Welfare Rights team.
These colleagues bring a wealth of experience, compassion, and specialist knowledge, and we’re incredibly proud to have them with us. Their insight into the needs of local residents is invaluable, and their commitment to supporting people across Doncaster aligns perfectly with our mission.
We know that the news about DIAL closing has been difficult for many who relied on their support. That’s why we want to reassure residents, partners, and community organisations that we are here to help with anything related to Welfare Rights, Tribunal support, and wider advice needs. Our priority is to make sure no one feels left without guidance during this transition.
By bringing the DIAL team’s expertise into our service, we’re strengthening the support available locally and ensuring continuity for the people who need it most. Whether you’ve used DIAL before or are reaching out for the first time, you can refer to us with confidence, our team is ready to help.
We’re grateful for the warm welcome our new colleagues have received and for the continued trust the community places in us. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected advice network for Doncaster.
If you need help with benefits or understanding what you’re entitled to Contact us today on 01302 243057 or visit our website www.cadoncasterborough.org |
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🌟 Project in the spotlight - National Citizens Advice Office Visits Doncaster to Spotlight Our Digital Inclusion Work We were delighted to welcome colleagues from the Consumer Public Services Team at National Citizens Advice, who visited Doncaster to learn more about our Digital Inclusion Programme and its impact across South Yorkshire. Their visit focused on how digital exclusion affects people’s ability to access essential services, from local authority support and the NHS to benefits, utilities, telecoms and advice. Together, we explored emerging themes from our work, including the benefits of digitalisation, the communication barriers people face, and the increasing gatekeeping of vital services. A key part of the discussion was the client journey. Many people don’t initially see themselves as digitally excluded, yet a lack of access, skills, confidence or affordability often leaves them at a real disadvantage. Our approach reflects James, our CEO’s belief that we should “go where the people are, in the spaces they trust,” which is why we deliver support in community venues where residents feel comfortable asking for help. We also showcased our Device Bank, which provides refurbished technology to people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get online, and shared the strong outcomes from our Connect & Learn sessions: These results show how digital inclusion can transform everyday life, improving access to services while increasing confidence and independence. The national team also heard about the wider impact of our work, particularly how digital skills link to economic inactivity and employment. Digital confidence is now essential for job searching, applications and workplace communication, and our programme is helping residents take those steps. This work is strengthened by our new Pathways to Work funding stream, which helps people become work‑ready by offering free, confidential support with money, benefits, housing, rights at work, wellbeing and confidence. By combining Pathways to Work with our digital inclusion support and the Device Bank, we’re removing multiple barriers at once and helping people move forward in a sustainable way. Looking ahead, we discussed opportunities to grow this work, including speaking with funders, exploring technology donations, and building on our partnership with the council, who currently provide 10% of their used devices to support our Device Bank. The visit will contribute to a National Citizens Advice report on digital exclusion, aiming to influence the government to ring‑fence more funding for digital inclusion support. As Heather from our team said, “Digital needs aren’t given enough protection, making this work more important than ever.” We’re grateful to our national colleagues for visiting, listening and recognising the impact our team is having. Together, we’re working towards a future where digital access is a right, not a barrier. |
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Connecting With the North: Our Visit to the North Labour Party Meeting
Last week, we had the pleasure of attending the North Labour Party meeting to talk about the services we offer and how we can continue supporting residents across the North of Doncaster. It was a fantastic opportunity to share what we do, listen to local experiences, and understand more about the challenges people are facing in the community.
We had some really valuable conversations, and the feedback we received will help us shape our work going forward. Hearing directly from residents and local representatives is always incredibly helpful, it gives us a clearer picture of where support is needed most and how we can make the biggest difference.
We’re also delighted that the North Labour Party constituency team will be taking part in our Advice First Aid training. This will help strengthen local support networks and bring even more trusted advice into the heart of the community. By joining our Doncaster Advice Network, they’ll be part of a wider effort to make sure residents can access the right help at the right time.
A big thank‑you to everyone who welcomed us so warmly. It was great to see you all, and we’re looking forward to working together to support people across the North.
👉Click here to find out more about our Advice First Aid training |
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New Partnership with Doncaster Council
Citizens advice Doncaster are proud to mark the beginning of our lasting partnership with Doncaster Council, a partnership built on shared values and a shared commitment to tackling digital poverty in our community.
Doncaster Council, in collaboration with Concept Management, have refurbished and donated laptops to help drive forward our digital inclusion work. This isn’t a one‑off gesture, it’s a clear sign of the council’s commitment to supporting local organisations and residents who are most affected by digital barriers.
This partnership recognises Doncaster Councils commitment to its wider responsibility to create a sustainable, circular system where technology is reused, waste is reduced, and opportunities are opened up for everyone.
These refurbished devices will help people across Doncaster to:
🌐 Get online confidently
🏥 Access essential services like the NHS, health apps, and appointment systems
📝 Complete important online forms and applications
💼 Improve skills, job prospects and digital independence
💙 Live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives
A huge thank you to Doncaster Council and Concept Management Consulting Limited
Together, we’re removing digital barriers and building a more connected, inclusive Doncaster. |
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Welcoming our New Trustees
We are delighted to announce the appointment of several new trustees who have recently joined our Board. Each brings a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, and a deep commitment to our mission. Their leadership will play a vital role as we continue to strengthen our work, support our communities, and shape the organisation’s future.
Our new trustees join us at an exciting time of growth and opportunity. Over the coming months, they will be working closely with the Board and leadership team to help guide our strategic direction, champion good governance, and ensure we continue to deliver meaningful impact.
Introducing Our New Trustees
Ruth Brook
I’ve recently been appointed as a trustee at DCAB. I’ve spent my whole career in the education sector, teaching everyone from nursery children to adults across schools, FE colleges and community venues in Doncaster. I’ve also served as a governor in several local schools and with the DN Colleges Group for over 20 years.
I’m passionate about helping leaders build strong, sustainable organisations where staff and communities can thrive. Services like DCAB play a vital role in supporting people when they need it most, and I wanted to use my governance experience to support the organisation as it continues to grow.
Gabrielle Woodhams
I am experienced leader with over a decade of expertise in digital inclusion. I specialise in designing and delivering impactful services that tackle social challenges at both local and national levels. She is currently the Head of Network Delivery and Customer Support at Good Things Foundation, the UK's leading digital inclusion charity. Amongst other things, she leads the delivery of the National Databank and National Device Bank services that have become a crucial lifeline for many people. She is passionate about working collaboratively to create meaningful, sustainable change.
I am looking forward to sharing my expertise to contribute towards making an impact in the local community.
Fabian Braithwaite
We’re pleased to have Fabian Braithwaite join us as a Trustee. As the Managing Partner of HSR Law Solicitors and a long‑standing figure in Doncaster’s professional community, Fabian brings deep experience across private client, commercial, and property law. His strong regional ties and strategic insight will strengthen our governance and future direction
Rachel Blake
We are delighted to welcome Rachael Blake to our Board of Trustees. Rachael’s career spans nursing, the NHS, local government, the voluntary sector and the rail industry, reflecting her deep commitment to strengthening communities. Having served as a Doncaster councillor since 2015 and a cabinet member for social care and equalities for seven years, she brings invaluable insight into public service, regional needs and community‑led change
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Staying Informed: Changes to Benefits, Wages and Tenancy in 2026 A short round‑up of national updates to help you stay informed about your rights, benefits and household bills.
Most working‑age benefits, disability benefits and the State Pension will rise in line with inflation from April. This includes Universal Credit, PIP, DLA, ESA and Housing Benefit.
You can check updated benefit rates here:
GOV.UK - Benefit and Pension Rates
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-and-pension-rates-2026-to-2027
The Government has confirmed a 7% increase to the Minimum Income Guarantee for working‑age adults receiving social care in the community.
This means people will be able to keep at least £400 more each year, and those receiving the disability premium may keep up to £510 more.
More information can be found here: GOV.UK - £400 Cash Boost for Disabled Adults
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/400-cash-boost-for-disabled-adults-to-tackle-cost-of-living
A total of £723 million has been allocated nationally for the Disabled Facilities Grant for 2026–27. This funding helps people make adaptations to their homes so they can live safely and independently.
Find out more about how the grant works:
GOV.UK - Disabled Facilities Grant
https://www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants
The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage will rise again in April.
You can check the updated rates here:
GOV.UK - National Minimum Wage and Living Wage Rates
https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Shelter has outlined the main updates that will apply to private renters when the Renters’ Rights Act begins on 1 May 2026. The changes include the end of Section 21 ‘no‑fault’ evictions, limits on rent in advance, annual rent increase rules, the move to rolling periodic tenancies, a two‑month notice period for tenants, a formal right to request a pet, and clearer written tenancy information at the start of a tenancy. Current rights remain the same until the new law takes effect. More information: https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/private_renting/renters_rights_act_changes_for_private_renters
These changes will happen on 6 April 2026: statutory sick pay (SSP) will be paid from the first day of illness, instead of the fourth day the lower earnings limit will be removed, currently, workers must earn a minimum amount to be eligible for statutory sick pay https://www.acas.org.uk/employment-rights-act-2025
The £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund will replace the Household Support Fund and brings together Discretionary Housing Payments into a single, streamlined grant. This simplified approach will reduce administrative burden on councils while ensuring families can access the support they need when they need it.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crisis-and-resilience-fund-guidance-for-local-authorities-in-england-1-april-2026-to-31-march-2029
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| | | Did you know that every local Citizens Advice is a registered charity?
We rely on the generosity and support of people like you to continue making a difference in our communities.
At Citizens Advice, we’re here for anyone who needs help – whether it’s managing debt, accessing benefits, dealing with housing issues, or understanding their rights. But our work doesn’t stop there. We also campaign for fairer policies and systems, using the insight from our frontline services to drive real change.
Together, we’re helping individuals today and shaping a better tomorrow.
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| We are delighted to share here at Citizens Advice Doncaster Borough we have taken the Choose Kindness pledge!
Choose Kindness is a city-wide movement in #Doncaster which champions the power of kindness to break down barriers and bring people and communities together.
We're proud to be part of the Choose Kindness movement! |
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| | ⬇️Find all of our socials below⬇️ |
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| | The Advice Quality Standard (AQS) is awarded to organisations that give advice to members of the public on legal issues. Organisations are audited every two years and have to demonstrate that they are accessible, effectively managed, and employ staff with the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of their clients. The Advice Services Alliance (ASA) is pleased to announce that, following a tender process, it has appointed Recognising Excellence as the Assessment Body for the Advice Quality Standard (AQS). |
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