Citizens Advice Canterbury and District, Citizens Advice Swale, and Citizens Advice Thanet have been merged into one charity – Citizens Advice North East Kent (CANEK).
Confirming the formal merger today, CANEK says it will create a stronger, more resilient organisation offering vital advice, advocacy and insight for people facing hardship.
The newly merged Citizens Advice group brings together the expertise, volunteers and staff of Swale, Thanet and Canterbury, increasing capacity to respond to rising demand and deepening its impact across the region.
The combined organisation will operate with annual revenues of £1.4 million, 42 dedicated staff and 92 trained volunteers supporting clients across the area
Together, the communities served by the new organisation have a population of some 466,000 people.
CANEK says it will unify services and ensure that everyone – regardless of age, background, location or income – can access the free, confidential advice they need.
Deprivation levels across many parts of the area served are significantly above national averages. Thanet has the highest proportion of neighbourhoods in Kent within the 10% most deprived in England. Swale also has a large proportion of its communities in the most deprived deciles nationally, including on the Isle of Sheppey.
CANEK says the merger is not a defensive response to these challenges – it is a strategic investment in building capacity, influence and sustainability for the future.
By joining forces, the organisation says it will be better equipped to:
- Expand frontline support for people facing issues with benefits, housing, debt and employment.
- Amplify local evidence and insight that informs national and local decision-making.
- Strengthen outreach to people who struggle to access services, including those who are digitally excluded or under 25.
- Work closely with partners, funders and elected representatives to improve systems that affect people’s lives.
Pam Kenworthy, Chair of Trustees, CANEK, said: “This merger positions us to meet the scale and complexity of needs in our communities more effectively than ever before. By uniting our resources and expertise, we can enhance our support for individuals facing immediate problems – and also raise our voice to drive long-term change across Kent.”
Jude Lee, Chief Executive, CANEK, added: “We are building a future-facing organisation rooted in local insight and community service. Together we will be more visible, more influential and more able to secure the resources needed to meet rising demand.”
The merged Citizens Advice service will publish its first integrated annual impact report this year,
CANEK is seeking a Finance Manager to play a key role in shaping the financial future of the newly merged organisation.
Full details can be found here Finance Manager Recruitment. The closing date for applications is 26th January 2026.
Does this merger also mean a merger of buildings or can people rely on the contact details remaining the same?
Citizens advice provide an excellent service.
i once had the misfortune to visit the margate office , it was a complete waste of time , i took a pile of pension paperwork with me , everytime i asked a question i was told we cannot comment on that , or we are not allowed to advise on this, all they did was look at a computer screen and print off help sheets off , i could have done that myself – never again .