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National charity Citizens Advice, which helps people of all ages resolve their money, legal and other problems, has produced a podcast aimed especially at University students. Timed to coincide with the start of the Autumn term, the podcast covers money management and housing rights.

Debt and housing are two of the biggest issues for under 25s who visit bureaux and can be of particular concern to students at University who are often experiencing living independently for the first time.

The ‘advicepod’ covers how to manage your money, applying for a student loan and things to be aware of when renting a room or property from a private landlord. You can listen to it to via the charity’s advice website:

• www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/whats_new_sept10_new_podcast_with_advice_for_students.htm

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice said:

“If you are struggling with debt, or worrying about any other issues, don’t bury your head in the sand and hope it will go away. It’s important to seek help and advice as early as possible. All CAB advisers are highly trained and offer free, confidential and impartial advice to anyone, with any problem, at any stage.”

Citizens Advice provides face to face advice from over 3,500 locations across England and Wales. The charity also has a dedicated advice website: www.adviceguide.org.uk which has information and factsheets on many issues as well as details of your local CAB service.

For information about subscribing to Advicepods from Citizens Advice:

• www.citizensadvice.org.uk/follow-us

The charity is also on Twitter, Facebook and other social networks, where you can sign up to hear about the latest campaigning actions, advice issues and Citizens Advice service news.

Notes to editors:

1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales see www.citizensadvice.org.uk
2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality. For online advice and information see www.adviceguide.org.uk
3. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 7.1 million problems from April 2009 to March 2010, an 18% increase on the previous year. For full 2009/2010 service statistics see: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/press_20100517
4. Out of 22 national charities, the Citizens Advice service is ranked by the general public as being the most helpful, approachable, professional, informative, effective / cost effective, reputable and accountable. (nfpSynergy’s Brand Attributes survey, May 2010).
5. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at around 3,300 service outlets across England and Wales.
6. Volunteer hotline 08451 264264 (local rate)