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Celebrities talk about their best advice for Advice Week

4 September 2007

Celebrities and people from public life have shared their best pieces of advice and the best advice they have ever received as part of next week’s Advice Week, run by charity Citizens Advice from 10 -16 September.

Celebrities including broadcaster Piers Morgan and actor Ioan Gruffudd have taken part to help raise awareness of the importance of advice. Last year the CAB service helped people deal with 5.5 million problems ranging from benefits, debt, housing problems and employment problems and is the largest provided of free money advice in the UK.

The theme for Advice Week 2007 is 'Advice Changes Lives' and shows that people’s lives are not only changed through advice they receive and the campaigning done on their behalf, but also through working for the service either in a voluntary or paid capacity. More than 20,000 people volunteer in the CAB service, with one third leaving to move into paid employment or education.

Sarah Miller, Head of Media for Citizens Advice said,

"It has been really interesting to hear what pieces of advice well known people have received that has had a real impact on their lives, or advice that they would want to pass on to other people. Thousands of people rely on the CAB service for life-changing advice every day and we would encourage everyone to get involved with their local bureau, whether it is volunteering, fundraising or campaigning. You can make a real difference and see how your life can be changed too."

Piers Morgan, broadcaster

"Never try and work with a hangover, get out of trouble as fast as you can, and always remember that one day you're the cock of the walk, the next you're a feather duster."

Ioan Gruffudd, actor, Amazing Grace, Fantastic Four

"At a low point whilst studying acting, I told my parents that I wanted to quit. My father imparted one of the best pieces of advice I was ever given - to persevere and stay the course until I had completed my training and if by that time I still wanted to quit acting I could do it then.  He told me it was far better to have completed something and see it through to it's conclusion, rather than quitting and not knowing the things I could have achieved and be forever regretful."

John Bird, founder of the Big Issue

"Take advice from those with experience, that the best advice I can give."

Ken Russell, film director

"My advice is to listen to uplifting pieces of music when you feel down in the dumps. There is a popular piece I always find inspiring - guaranteed to cheer anyone up. It is optimistic and life-affirming and very get up and go. It is ‘Something’s coming” from Leonard Bernstein’s ‘West Side story’."

Jeanette Winterson, writer

"My best piece of advice is this – do it from the heart, or not at all. We live in a world dominated by numbers; ratings, audience figures, hits, friends on MySpace, how many, how fast, how often, and of course money money money. I believe that life is best lived by purpose, not money. To make something, to be something, to do something, because it is a passion, and because it is whole-hearted."

Photos of participating celebrities are available: Contact Citizens Advice press office

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 New windowwww.adviceguide.org.uk
  3. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 7.1 million problems from April 2010 to March 2011. For full 2010/2011 service statistics see: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/press_statistics
  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.