Could scanning a QR code lead to being scammed? ⚠️ Not always, but scammers are using QR codes in places you would usually trust to lead you to fake websites or apps. Check our advice on spotting a scam and what to do if you think you've been scammed: bit.ly/3Z7fnKT
Citizens Advice Westminster
@cawestminster.bsky.social
We are an independent charity providing free, confidential advice and information you can trust—when you really need it. We campaign on the issues that affect us all and work to build a fairer society for everyone. https://www.westminstercab.org.uk/
Keep an eye open for our new campaign #BoostYourEnergy! Coming very soon with loads of help on all things energy in the home - saving energy all around your home, understanding your bills, switching and much more.... .
Getting scammed can be stressful and impact your emotional wellbeing. You’re not alone 💙 There are organisations you can reach out to for support. Click the link in our bio to find out more. bit.ly/4xcNO2m
Get emotional support if you’ve been scammed
Find out where you can get emotional or financial support if you've been scammed.
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Good news! Paddington Library is reopening on 1st September - today!
We are closed today, Monday 31st August as it's the bank holiday and open as usual tomorrow. Have a look at our great website for info and advice if you need anything: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Citizens Advice
Online free advice from Citizens Advice to help you find a way forward, whatever the problem. Our research enables us to campaign on issues affecting people's lives.
citizensadvice.org.uk
Everything you need to know about the #nottinghillcarnival on Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August www.westminster.gov.uk/notting-hill...
We will be closed on Monday 31st August as it's the bank holiday and open as usual the next day. Have a look at our great website for info and advice if you need anything: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Citizens Advice
Online free advice from Citizens Advice to help you find a way forward, whatever the problem. Our research enables us to campaign on issues affecting people's lives.
citizensadvice.org.uk
From Money Saving Expert: Kids just got their GCSE results and planning to stay in education or training? You need to tell HMRC by next Monday 31 August to keep getting Child Benefits - it doesn't continue automatically! www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/child...
Child Benefit
Child Benefit is a monthly payment which can be worth over £17,000 (or more if you have two or more children). This MSE guide gives full info on the benefit.
moneysavingexpert.com
Are you looking to become a #Trustee? Citizens Advice Westminster is looking for new Trustees to help shape our future serving the residents of Westminster, making a real difference in people's lives. More info here buff.ly/m9kOWKB
Breaking News: Energy Bills to rise AGAIN. Martin Lewis’ instant briefing on who is affected, how much it’ll cost you, and crucially how to avoid it.
Breaking News: Energy Bills to rise AGAIN. How to avoid it
YouTube video by Martin Lewis
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📝 You should check what your employment contract says about working on bank holidays. If you don’t have a contract, ask your employer what their rules are. We can help you understand your work rights ⤵️ bit.ly/4mgLhPd
⚡ Your energy supplier has to let you know about a direct debit payment increase before it happens. This is known as the 'direct debit guarantee'. Check your rights ⤵️ bit.ly/46gpSyP
If your energy supplier has increased your direct debit payments
Why your payments may go up, checking your payments are correct, agreeing new monthly payments.
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Small claims are for simple cases that don’t involve large amounts of money or complicated issues. They’re often used to get compensation or your money back if something’s gone wrong. Small claims are never usually for more than £10,000. More here ⤵️ bit.ly/4qptoRf
You have the legal right to a refund if: ➡️ you feel you were unfairly pressured into buying a product or service you didn't want ➡️ you were misled about the product or service you bought Our advice can help ⤵️ bit.ly/3jDveMA
Are you looking to become a #Trustee? Citizens Advice Westminster is looking for new Trustees to help shape our future serving the residents of Westminster, making a real difference in people's lives. More info here buff.ly/m9kOWKB
Fact of the day: you can work and claim #PersonalIndependencePayment (PIP) - about 1 in 6 claimants do. #PIP is designed to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term condition or disability, so entitlement isn't affected by working, income or savings. ⤵️
If you get means-tested benefits like Pension Credit or Universal Credit, you could be eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter 🔥🏠 You must be named on your energy bill by 23 August to receive it automatically. More info ⤵️ bit.ly/4w5HsR6
The heatwave may be over the summer continues with lots of activities for kids, many free ⤵️
Summer’s not over yet ☀️ Still looking for things to keep children and young people busy this August? Discover free and affordable holiday camps, sports, cooking and more across the city. Plus, free places and meals are available for children in receipt of Free School Meals. https://bit.ly/4hzUm6e.
If your child is 16 and in full-time education or training, you can still get #ChildBenefit, but it isn't automatic. If your child turned 16 this year, you need to contact HMRC by 31 August to keep getting your payments. See gov.uk for more information
Check out these courses to learn new or improve your #computing skills ⤵️
Ready to build the #digital skills employers are looking for? Our Digital & #Computing courses offer opportunities to learn, develop your confidence and prepare for your next step. #Applynow. - https://f.mtr.cool/cmtrhxbdyu #CyberSecurity #CloudComputing #SoftwareDevelopment #AI
Important deadline for #warmhomediscount
If you get means-tested benefits like Pension Credit or Universal Credit, you could be eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter 🔥🏠 You must be named on your energy bill by 23 August to receive it automatically. Find out more ⤵️ https://bit.ly/4w5HsR6
Top tips to avoid #scams
🚨 A scam can often start when someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly. Knowing what to look out for can keep you safe. Try our online tool to check if something might be a scam ⤵️ bit.ly/4mMvEQ8
From selling clothes online to dog walking, side hustles can be a great way to make some extra cash 💸 If you're making additional money, it’s important to check if you need to tell HMRC to avoid any tax surprises ⤵️ bit.ly/4wYWMzY
Lots of usual info here is you’re off work #sick ⤵️
Your employer must tell you what to do when you’re off work sick, including: ➡️ When you should tell them you’re sick ➡️ What information you need to give them Read more about your rights & getting sick pay ⤵️ https://bit.ly/3PgcT8U
From NHS: An amber heat-health alert is in place across parts of England from 11-14 August. Hot weather can put more people at risk, particularly older people, young children and those with existing health conditions. Take extra care and look out for others. buff.ly/FbutgEf buff.ly/FbutgEf
https://t.co/kI4xLn0NIK
t.co
📢 Did you know millions of other people are missing out on unclaimed benefits? If you need extra financial support, benefits can help. We’ve got advice to help you navigate this ⤵️ bit.ly/4iyxeDn buff.ly/JitAiTr
From the NHS: It's another hot week in London ☀️ We hope you enjoy the sunshine, but please do it safely by: 💧 Staying hydrated 🧴 Wear sunscreen ⛱️ Find shade 📞 Use NHS 111 for urgent advice 🚨 Only call 999 in a life‑threatening emergency (It was this last week ⬇️ )
From The Royal Parks @theroyalparks.bsky.social This summer we are welcoming families to the Hyde Park Learning Centre for our popular free drop-in Discovery Days! Join us Tuesday 11 - Thursday 13 August to explore our beautiful nature habitats. Drop in anytime between 11am-3pm to join in!
Your employer must tell you what to do when you’re off work sick, including: ➡️ When you should tell them you’re sick ➡️ What information you need to give them Read more about your rights & getting sick pay ⤵️ bit.ly/3PgcT8U