Office is closed for face-to-face appointments until further notice, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. All other services operate as normal. 

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

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If you require help with food:

https://www.harrow.gov.uk/benefits/help-cost-living/3.

 

If you are experiencing domestic abuse:

If there’s an emergency: call the police on 999.

National Domestic Abuse helpline (women): www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk | 0808 2000 247

Respect (Men’s Advice Line): www.mensadviceline.org.uk | 0808 8010327

 

If you are experiencing homelessness

Harrow Council Homeless team: www.harrow.gov.uk/housing-property/homelessness | 020 8424 1093

Firm Foundation: www.firmfoundation.org.uk | 020 8426 5515

Shelter (housing advice): www.england.shelter.org.uk | 0808 800 4444

 

If you require employment advice

ACAS: 0300 123 1100

 

If you require debt advice

National Debt Line: 0808 808 4000

Step Change: 0800 138 1111

 

If you require benefit advice

Help to Claim (Universal Credit): 0800 144 8 444

Citizens Advice national website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits

Advice Now: www.advicenow.org.uk

Do you have health needs that negatively impact on your working life?

Whether you’re looking to start a new job, need support in your current role (whether self-employed, volunteer or as an employee), or are planning to return to work after an absence, WorkWell can offer:

• Tailored and holistic one to one support from a qualified Work and Health Coach for anyone with a disability or a health condition who needs support to start, stay or do well at work
• If you are looking for work, the Work and Health Coach will support you with CV writing, accessing job listings, writing your personal statement and interview prepping
• Support in building your confidence to gradually return to work
• Where appropriate, clinical support from Mental Health, Diabetes, and MSK specialists as well Employment Relations expert to secure adaptations needed
• Building a bridge back to meaningful employment through volunteering opportunities and practical skill development

What sets WorkWell apart is their focus on supporting people holistically rather than treating them as ‘a cog in a machine’. To get started click here WorkWell – North West London or ring 0808 196 2386.

 

NHS North West London commissioned West London Alliance to provide WorkWell for people in Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster. The wider employment support programmes also support Barnet residents.

#worksupportwestlondon

#WorkWell – North West London

 

To view the PDF version of the above information, please click here.

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There is now useful information on support for keeping warm this winter on Harrow Council’s website Cold weather grants and support – London Borough of Harrow.  You can contact Green Doctors for benefits and energy efficient advice on –  0300 365 3005 or visit  GreenDoctorsLDN@groundwork.org.uk .

If you require help with food:

https://www.harrow.gov.uk/benefits/help-cost-living/3.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse:

If there’s an emergency: call the police on 999.

National Domestic Abuse helpline (women): www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk | 0808 2000 247

Respect (Men’s Advice Line): www.mensadviceline.org.uk | 0808 8010327

 

If you are experiencing homelessness

Firm Foundation: www.firmfoundation.org.uk | 020 8426 5515

Shelter (housing advice): www.england.shelter.org.uk | 0808 800 4444

 

If you require employment advice

ACAS: 0300 123 1100

If you require debt advice

National Debt Line: 0808 808 4000

Step Change: 0800 138 1111

 

If you require benefit advice

Help to Claim (Universal Credit): 0800 144 8 444

Citizens Advice national website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits

Advice Now: www.advicenow.org.uk

Online shopping scams

Our Scams Awareness campaign in December 2024 will focus on online shopping scams. Its aim is to support consumers at risk of being affected as they shop in the January sales, as well as offering advice to those affected by scams related to shopping in the festive season.

The increased financial pressure many will be facing this winter has put more people into difficult situations, with many facing issues with debt and being unable to afford essential goods and services. We’ve seen time and again that scammers seek to exploit vulnerability, so empowering the public to protect themselves and others from scams will have heightened importance.

There are lots of different types of scams emerging. Some examples to look out for include:

• Sellers offering hugely discounted designer items or hard to come by items
• Free trials or ‘just pay for postage and packaging’ deals

Protect yourself from online shopping scams

• Check the website is genuine – Take a couple of minutes to watch the video provided by National Cyber Security Centre about shopping securely online 

• If you do an internet search, don’t assume that the top listed company is the genuine one you are looking for.  Sometimes these can be adverts or a very slight change in the company name you are looking for

• Check the domain name to get to the official page, and avoid sites that end in .net or .org – it is unusual for shopping sites to use these

• There should be a geographical address to return items, with details of the returns policy

• Don’t send money by bank transfer. Once you have sent a payment, it can be very difficult to trace and get it returned if there is a problem. Use a payment method that offers protection if there is a problem (such as PayPal, Apple pay, debit or credit card)

• Check in advance of using the website or online platform what their online dispute resolution process is

Top 3 messages

• There is a high chance that scammers will try to take advantage of people shopping online in the festive period or January sales. The increased financial pressure many will be facing this winter has made this more likely than ever, and so support around this issue is vital
• Anyone can fall victim to a scam. People of all ages and backgrounds get scammed. It’s important to be on your guard – if you’re not sure about something, take your time and get advice
• If you think someone might be trying to scam you, it’s important to act straight away. If you need advice and support you can call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk. You should also report scams or suspected scams to Action Fraud

Quick scam facts

What is a scam?

A scam is a scheme to try to steal money, personal information or data from a person or organisation. Other names for a scam include fraud, hoax, con, swindle and cheat.

General scams advice

Spotting a scam

It’s important to always keep an eye out for scams. They can and do affect anyone. Here are some of the main warning signs of scams to look out for:

• It seems too good to be true – like an email saying you’ve won a competition you don’t remember entering
• Someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly
• You’re being urged to respond quickly so you don’t get time to think about it or talk to family and friends
• You’ve been asked to pay for something urgently or in an unusual way – for example by bank transfer or gift vouchers
• You’ve been asked to give away personal information

If someone thinks they might be being scammed, they should get advice immediately. They can contact the Citizens Advice consumer service for help with what to do next, and report scams or suspected scams to Action Fraud.

How to protect yourself from scams

There are some simple steps people can take to help protect themselves from scams:

• Don’t be rushed into making any quick decisions. It’s okay to take your time
• If someone pressures you to send money or personal details, it’s most likely a scam.  Never give money or personal details, like passwords or bank details, to anyone you don’t know or have only met online, and ask yourself why you would need to share this information.
• Before you buy anything, check the company or website you’re using. Read reviews from different websites, search for the company’s details on Companies House, and take a look at their terms and conditions
• Do not engage with cold callers or door-sellers offering too good to be true deals. 
• Pay by debit or credit card. This gives you extra protection if things go wrong
• Be suspicious. Scammers can be very smart. They can appear like a trusted business or government official, have a professional website and say all the right things. Take your time to work out if this is a real organisation. Ask them for ID or contact the organisation on a number you know and trust
• Never open attachments or click on any links in messages if you’re not sure who the message came from or you don’t trust them.
  • Some scams try to make you click links or open attachments that will install viruses on your device. A virus could let someone steal your personal information or take control of your phone or computer.
  • Some other scams pretend to be from an organisation and try to make you click on a fake version of the website which asks for personal information.
  • If you want to check your account is secure on the organisation’s official website, always open a new browser window or tab. You should type the address in the address bar. When you’re on the official website, log in directly.
• Make sure your antivirus software is up to date
• Keep your online accounts secure:
  • Use a strong password for email accounts that you don’t use anywhere else. Choosing three random words is a good way to create a strong and easy to remember password. You can also add in numbers and symbols. If you’re worried about remembering lots of different passwords you can use a password manager
  • Some websites let you add a second step when you log in to your account – this is known as ‘two-factor authentication’. This makes it harder for scammers to access your accounts.
• If you’re not sure about something, get advice from a trusted source

What to do if you have been scammed

If you have been scammed, there are 3 steps you need to take:

• Protect yourselves from further risks

There are things you can do to stop things getting worse. You should contact your bank immediately to let them know what’s happened. You should also change any relevant log-in details, and check for viruses if you were scammed on a computer.

• Check if you can get their money back

If you have lost money because of a scam, there might be ways you can get it back. Depending on the circumstances, you might be able to get your money back if you get in touch directly, and as soon as possible, with the method by which you’ve paid, such as card, Paypal, Direct Debit or bank transfer.

• Report the scam

Reporting scams helps authorities stop the criminals responsible, and protects others from being scammed. Anyone who’s been scammed should:

• Call the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133. We’ll pass on details of the scam to Trading Standards, and can offer further advice
• Report the scam to Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud. They’ll also give you a crime reference number, which can be helpful if you need to tell your bank you’ve been scammed

It’s also important for us to all talk about our experiences with family and friends. By letting them know what’s happened they can be prepared, and together we can put a stop to scams.

Where to go for more help

• If someone has been scammed, or thinks they’ve been scammed, they can contact the consumer service by calling 0808 223 1133 (or 0808 223 1144 for a Welsh speaking advisor)
• You can also use our online scams helper to work out if something is a scam and see the next steps to take.
• There’s lot of advice on the Citizens Advice website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scamsadvice, including how to:
  • Check if something might be a scam
  • Check if you can get your money back after a scam
  • What to do if you’ve been scammed
  • Report a scam
  • Get emotional support if you’ve been scammed
  • Get help with online scams
• You can check recent scams on Action Fraud’s website, and sign up for email alerts to find out about scams in your area at www.actionfraud.police.uk/news

Tajinder Nijjar, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice Harrow, said: “Scams can affect anyone and it is important to know what to do if you have been scammed. The cost of living crisis continues to affect some Harrow residents and it is important we recognise the red flags during the sales season when shopping online. Follow the simple steps to protect yourselves during this festive season. Don’t feel embarrassed if things go wrong. Seek help immediately.”

For information and advice, contact Citizens Advice Harrow on 0808 250 5705.

The office is open and is operating as usual.

 

Thank you.

Due to a water leak, the office will be CLOSED until further notice. 

 

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

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If you require help with food:

https://www.harrow.gov.uk/benefits/help-cost-living/3.

 

If you are experiencing domestic abuse:

If there’s an emergency: call the police on 999.

National Domestic Abuse helpline (women): www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk | 0808 2000 247

Respect (Men’s Advice Line): www.mensadviceline.org.uk | 0808 8010327

 

If you are experiencing homelessness

Harrow Council Homeless team: www.harrow.gov.uk/housing-property/homelessness | 020 8424 1093

Firm Foundation: www.firmfoundation.org.uk | 020 8426 5515

Shelter (housing advice): www.england.shelter.org.uk | 0808 800 4444

 

If you require employment advice

ACAS: 0300 123 1100

 

If you require debt advice

National Debt Line: 0808 808 4000

Step Change: 0800 138 1111

 

If you require benefit advice

Help to Claim (Universal Credit): 0800 144 8 444

Citizens Advice national website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits

Advice Now: www.advicenow.org.uk

 

London Borough of Harrow has been allocated funds from the Department of Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund to support vulnerable households facing a rise in the cost of living. The funding is available from November 2024 to March 2025.

 

The Council is partnering with Citizens Advice Harrow to deliver financial support by distributing part of the HSF grant to eligible residents in the form of vouchers.

 

For more information, please visit https://www.harrow.gov.uk/benefits/household-support-fund

 

You can contact us by phone https://www.citizensadviceharrow.org.uk/phone/ for application process or via email hsf@citizensadviceharrow.org.uk