Who we are

Throughout life, we all encounter problems that catch us unprepared, or are beyond our control. When local residents need guidance and advice support, Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML) is here to provide them with free, independent, impartial, and confidential advice. Through performing Research and Campaigns work, CAML also supports the improvement of policies and practices that affect people’s lives both locally and nationally.

We are an independent charity offering a mix of advice services and support. In fact, we are one of London’s leading and busiest advice charities. We were one of the first Citizens Advice services to open our doors in 1939. With over 80 years’ experience, our services and support are as important today as when our work began.

For every £1 invested in our services in 2022/2023, we generated*:

  • £25.91 in wider economic and social benefits (public value)

    supporting and helping to solve residents’ problems improves lives - and this means better welcoming, participation and productivity for residents, communities and the boroughs we serve

  • £8.10 in financial value to the people we help

    through our services and support we can increase people's income, help write off debt, increase the take up of benefits and resolve consumer issues

  • £2.46 in savings to government and public services (fiscal benefits)

    by helping stop problems occurring or escalating, we reduce the need for public services (health, housing, out of work benefits)

Our clients say:

  • "Thank you so much. I feel so much better than when I first started the call. I was ready to give up on everything. But you’ve made me feel there is hope and I can carry on."

  • "My adviser has been a great help to me. Although my situation has not been resolved yet (very complicated), she keeps me informed and is always there for me."

  • "I must say, a big thank you for your help and support. I got the opportunity to see your adviser and my application was successful.”

  • "Thank you all the team [CAML], for your ongoing support. I couldn't have done this without you."

  • "CAML’s service is very important for the community as many of us are going through desperate times. The support and help we get means the difference between life or death."

  • "Without your amazing help I would have been so lost. You helped me when I was at my lowest point and felt very, very depressed and just wanted to give up. This lady and others who supported me have been a lifesaver."

The AQS Advice Quality Standard is awarded by an independent group of experts focused on quality within the advice sector. By receiving this award we have demonstrated that we reach the highest standards of organisation, information, knowledge and experience.

Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth has been accredited as a Living Wage Employer. Our Living Wage commitment means that everyone working at at CAML receives a minimum hourly wage of £13.15. This is significantly higher than the government minimum for over 23s, which currently stands at £10.42 per hour.

Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) regulates immigration advisers; ensuring they are fit, competent and act in their clients' best interests.

You can confirm that CAML is OISC registered and our website is verified by clicking on the OISC icon.