Bring your questions along to the second Jersey Consumer Fair

The Jersey Consumer Fair returns to St Helier’s Town Hall this month. So, what is in store, and why is it worth coming along? Here's everything you need to know.

The Jersey Consumer Fair is back, and we’re inviting Islanders to join us at St Helier’s Town Hall on Saturday 14 November.

You can drop in at any time between 10am and 4pm to meet representatives from a variety of consumer-focused organisations. You’ll even be able to grab a free hot drink and some cake.

Entry is free and there’s no need to book a slot.

The fair was first held in September last year, to mark the Jersey Consumer Council’s 30th anniversary. We’re returning for a second year, and have moved the event to mid-November, ahead of the festive season, so we can share advice on topics such as Christmas budgeting, knowing your consumer rights, and looking out for scams at what can often be a busy, stressful and expensive time.

Why attend the Jersey Consumer Fair?

The fair brings some of Jersey’s most trusted organisations together under one roof, so you can get face-to-face support without the need to make an appointment or phone round different offices.

Household budgets are currently under real strain – the cost of the weekly food shop, fuel at the pump and energy to heat our homes have all risen, and many Islanders are looking for ways to make their money go further. Knowing where to turn for reliable help can make a big difference.

We’ll help with any issues you’re struggling with, share consumer tips and show you how to save money.

Whether you want to understand your data rights, cut your energy bills, get financial guidance, protect yourself from scams and cybercrime, learn about postage options available, plan your festive spending or get advice on a particular issue, the Jersey Consumer Fair is your one-stop shop.

Bring your questions

If there’s an issue you’re dealing with – a dispute with a trader, a bill you don’t understand, a worry about your pension, a suspicious message or a question about Christmas posting dates – come along and talk it through with the organisations present. They are there to listen, answer your questions and point you in the right direction. If it’s a complex issue, it’s worth jotting down your questions and bringing any relevant paperwork with you.

You’ll be able to:

• Get free advice on consumer rights, fraud, cyber security, pensions, budgeting and more.
• Speak to local experts in person and ask questions about your own situation.
• Find out about useful services you may not know exist, from student support to welfare checks for vulnerable people.
• Discover tools for making smart, informed choices, including how to compare grocery, fuel and heating oil prices on Prices.je.
• Enjoy free hot drinks and cake.

With just over a week until the fair, here’s what some of the organisations taking part have said:

The Government of Jersey’s Pensions and Care Hub Team

“Are you getting all the help you’re entitled to?

“Come and meet us to find out about the support that could be available to you, including Income Support, Long-Term Care, Pension Plus, the Cold Weather Bonus, the Community Cost Bonus, the Christmas Bonus and the TV Licence benefit.

“Not sure what you might be eligible for? Don’t worry – we’ll be on hand to answer your questions and point you in the right direction.”

The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority

The JCRA would like to tell you about its work promoting competition in the Island and as the regulator for telecoms, ports and postal services.

“We would love to speak to you about the experiences that you have had when using these services,” they said.

“If you would like to find out more about us, come and meet the team at the Jersey Consumer Fair.”

Jersey Post

“We are looking forward to having a stall at the Jersey Consumer Fair, where we’ll be sharing advice on Christmas posting, festive ordering and Ship2Me services, as well as answering all your questions about our services.”

Here’s what some visitors to last year’s Jersey Consumer Fair told us:

“Thanks to everyone for all their advice. Handy to know about electric boilers and how to avoid scams.”

“I have found a lot of interesting information, thank you. Prices.je was kindly set up on my phone.”

“In all, the advice was generous and useful from all the stands I visited, and food for thought to be a better consumer.”

“Excellent opportunity to discuss concerns with positive advice received. Lovely teams at Jersey Consumer Council and Trading Standards.”

“Good advice with a friendly attitude, many thanks.”

“Excellent. The people on the stands were very friendly, particularly as I am hard of hearing. I found it very interesting. Thank you, Citizens Advice Jersey, for bearing with me and for being very helpful.”

“Excellent information. Pensions advice and who to call.”

“A very useful Consumer Fair, with friendly, informative people at hand to give advice. I can see this event becoming a regular feature in the Island calendar. Well done.”

“Very valuable advice on how to shop around and the tricks supermarkets use.”

“Lots of information about essential topics. Very clear and helpful representatives. I have taken a lot on board and learnt a lot of valuable facts. Thank you.”