CITIZEN’S Advice has upgraded its website and can now offer ‘real time’ online help via webchat and e-mail to people living or working in the district.

Jon Stuart, the bureau’s chief executive in East Hampshire, said: “The aim is to improve access to free impartial advice in the area. It is part of the commitment of Citizens Advice nationally in providing accessible advice for all by making much better use of phone and digital channels.”

The new website provides a useful ‘get advice’ section with answers to frequently-asked questions and links to the extensive advice on the national Citizen’s Advice website.

There is also the option to use the webchat facility during office hours or to send an e-mail enquiry direct to CA.

Both webchat and email are manned 9am-5pm Monday to Friday by experienced and fully-trained advisers who will have the knowledge and information to help with problems.

The East Hampshire, branch in partnership with its counterparts in Havant, is part of a pioneering group of 30 offices across the UK developing new ways of accessing advice.

He said: “The national webchat and e-mail project has exceeded all expectations in the numbers of clients helped.

“The combination of real-time advice and anonymity could be one of the reasons it has been so successful to date.

“Clients can get advice without giving all their personal details and advisers can offer a phone-back service for those clients whose enquiry is a bit more complex or who need a personal touch.”

District business manager Chris Greenslade said: “Webchat and e-mail will bring our advice service to a wider range of people, some of whom have difficulty visiting us during opening hours. With cuts to legal aid and public spending, free easy-to-access advice will be ever more vital to ensure people from all backgrounds can get the help they need to deal with the problems they face.”

Visit advisers in person in Liphook or Petersfield, or call 0344 4111306 – for online help go to www.citizensadvice easthampshire.org.uk