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About Us
Swansea Consumer Support Network was formally set up in September 2003 with the aims of providing quality consumer information and advice for residents and businesses of Swansea, and promoting 'consumer rights' in Swansea.
Members of Swansea CSN, currently Swansea Council's Trading Standards Service, Swansea Citizens Advice Bureau, Age Concern Swansea and Info-Nation,have agreed to work closely together to provide local consumers and businesses with access to good quality, impartial and accessible advice services and information on local consumer issues affecting Swansea.
We are keen to encourage local agencies and community groups who have an interest in consumer issues, or who need access to consumer advice for their users, to link with the Network.
Consumer Support Networks are a national initiative which aim to join up consumer advice services at a local level and create a trading environment in which consumers become more knowledgeable and confident, while traders are better informed about legal obligations and good practice.
West Glamorgan Advice and Information Forum
The West Glamorgan Advice and Information Forum (WGAIF) is a group of providers in Swansea Bay area, encompassing Swansea and Neath Port Talbot areas, from the statutory, voluntary and private sectors, who are delivering advice and/or information services to members of the public.
WGAIF members represent a wide range of issues, offering information, advice or assistance in such areas as welfare rights, housing advice, debt advice, family matters, consumer and contract advice, immigration, discrimination, and many others.
WGAIF is committed to meeting the needs of the local community for high quality responsive advice and information and aims:-
To develop, implement and monitor a referral system to ensure that users are directed to the right service provider at the right time as the case progresses;
To maintain information on service provision to inform the strategic planning process;
To gather information on the need and demand for local services;
To share information on best practice and developments in the law and service provision;
To influence local and national policies and strategies.
Membership of WGAIF is open to providers who subscribe to the stated aims.
For membership or other enquiries in respect of WGAIF contact Jackie Preston at Swansea Citizens Advice Bureau.
Contacting Us
Advice on a wide range of consumer problems may be obtained from any of the Swansea CSN members below:-
Trading Standards Service
The Trading Standards Service is a criminal enforcement body, responsible for enforcing a wide range of legislation relating to consumer protection and business practices (see list of legislation) In addition to it's statutory role, Trading Standards works in partnership with the Consumer Direct consumer helpline service. Consumer Direct offers legal and practical advice on consumer problems relating to goods and services, including second hand cars, building work, holidays, household goods, cancellation rights, internet purchases and credit contracts.
Consumer Direct provides first line advice on consumer problems, referring issues to Trading Standards where a complaint involves a breach of Trading Standards legislation. Trading Standards will then offer more in-depth advice and investigate the matter if appropriate.
Trading Standards Division, Department of Environment, The Guildhall, Swansea SA1 4PE
Tel: 01792 635600 E-mail: trading.standards@swansea.gov.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau
Swansea Citizens Advice Bureau is a charity and company registered by guarantee. Swansea Citizens Advice Bureau aims to work with all sections of the community, through challenging discrimination and prejudice especially on the grounds of age, disability, ethnic origin, health status, language, race, sex or sexuality. We offer advice and information to everyone on a wide range of enquiry areas including welfare benefits, debt, housing, consumer, immigration, family and personal and other legal issues. We offer advice that is free, independent, impartial and confidential.
Citizens Advice Bureau, Llys Glas, Pleasant Street, Swansea 5DS (Offices behind the old Police Station)
Tel: 08444 77 20 20
Telephone Advice is available Monday - Friday 10 am - 1 pm/Monday and Wednesday 1pm - 4pm
For opening hours please visit our website www.swanseacab.org.uk
The national Citizens Advice Bureau website at www.adviceguide.org.uk contains a wealth of information relating to consumer rights, as well as advice information on other areas of law, including welfare benefits, debt, housing, immigration, family and personal and other legal issues.
Age Concern
Age Concern Swansea is an independent local charity - covering the City and County of Swansea, affiliated to Age Concern Cymru and Age Concern England. We provide Information, Support, Services and Opportunities for older people's views/voices to be heard and help over 10,000 clients every year.
Age Concern Swansea has experienced and trained information and advice staff and volunteers covering the City and County of Swansea. Help is available on a wide range of issues which can benefit all older people, their families and their carers. Anything from form filling to accessing health and community care services. Leaflets and factsheets are also available from our St Helens Road office.
Age Concern Swansea
69 St Helen’s Road
Swansea SA1 4BE
Telephone: 01792 641164
Website: www.ageconcernswansea.org.uk
Info-Nation
Info-Nation is a centre in Swansea City Centre, where young people, aged between 11-25 can get confidential, free advice, support and information. The shop offers internet access, leaflets, books and a whole host of other services designed to help young people deal with life’s issues. Specialist youth workers can provide face-to-face impartial advice on a range of issues.
Info-Nation Information and
Resource Centre
The Kingsway,
Swansea City Centre
Opening Times:
Mon and Fri 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Wed 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Sat 12.00 to 4.00 pm
Complaints and Enquiries
If you wish to make a complaint, please use our confidential complaint form.
Want to know more?
For any further information on Swansea CSN, or if you are an advice agency who would like to become a member, please e-mail us on csn@swanseaconsumer.org.uk
Swansea Consumer Support Network, c/o Trading Standards Division, City and County of
Swansea, The Guildhall, Swansea. SA1 4PE Telephone: 01792 635600 Fax: 01792 635676 Email:
csn@swanseaconsumer.org.uk
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