The Southern Health & Social Care Trust Area

Transcription

1 Supporting Financial Wellbeing A guide for Health & Social Care Professionals within the Southern Health & Social Care Trust Area

2 Foreword We welcome the opportunity to promote this guide. Money management and staying in control of finances is important at any time but even more so in the current recessionary climate. Financial security is widely recognised as having a direct effect on health levels, both positively when we are relatively well-off and negatively when we are not. Individuals dealing with chronic and mental health conditions for some time may find that they are unable to manage their own finances. This stress can negatively impact on an individual s condition and can commence a vicious cycle. Likewise, a sudden period of poor health or bereavement can make it hard for individuals to manage money or debt. This situation has the potential to spiral out of control. Research conducted by Christians Against Poverty in 2011 has shown that 61% of individuals who developed health problems waited over a year before they sought help with their debts. 46% thought there was no help available to them. There is clearly a need for raising awareness of help that is available.

3 Foreword This guide is designed to inform health and social care staff about the range of services available to help support individuals who may be facing financial difficulty during a period of ill health. Staff working in the Southern Health & Social Care Trust (SHSCT) area should find this guide useful for sign-posting their service users to organisations and services which may be able to provide them with help maximising income and managing finances during a period of ill health. In turn establishing financial well-being may have the dual effect of reducing stress and improving health. The organisations, information and services in this guide can be accessed by various means - in person, via telephone, on websites, by or online. A downloadable version of the guide is available at: Mrs Mairead McAlinden Chief Executive SHSCT Dr Eddie Rooney Chief Executive Public Health Agency

4 PAGE 4 Contents Page Social Welfare Benefits 5 Debt Management 11 Long-Term Health Conditions 15 Housing 17 Family Support 19 Community Transport 21 Community & BME Networks 22 Fuel & Energy 24 Grants & Schemes 25 Useful Contacts 28 Distress - Help & Support 31

5 SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFITS PAGE 5 For many people, having the proper access to advice on benefits may be the key to increasing household income and in turn improving general health. The following services can provide help and advice on maximising income: Advice NI An umbrella organisation for groups which offer free & confidential advice on a range of issues including welfare benefits, housing, money and debt. Local office details are available on the website. T: E: [email protected] Access to Benefits (A2B) Aims to improve benefit uptake for people of retirement age. Individuals can access a Benefit Calculator online to calculate entitlement to benefits. Contact via website

6 PAGE 6 SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFITS Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) CAB offices offer advice & information to the public on a range of benefits, welfare rights, employment & housing rights, legal issues, as well as money and debt problems. For information on opening hours & outreach venues please contact the relevant offices for details. Armagh District CAB 9 McCrums Court, Armagh, BT61 7RS T: E: [email protected] Outreach Clinics: Tandragee, Richhill, Keady and Markethill. Banbridge District CAB 77 Bridge Street, Banbridge, BT32 3JL T: E: [email protected] Outreach Clinics: Rathfriland, Dromore & Gilford.

7 SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFITS PAGE 7 Craigavon District CAB The Town Hall, 6 Union Street, Lurgan, BT66 8DY & Portadown Health & Care Centre, Tavanagh Avenue, Portadown, BT62 3BE T: E: [email protected] Outreach Clinics: Aghagallon, Aghalee, Magheralin, Meadows Day Centre, Manor Day Centre, Monbrief House, Drumellan House, Craigavon Hospital Bluestone Unit, Craigavon Hospital Mandeville Unit. Newry & Mourne District CAB Ballybot House, 28 Cornmarket, Newry, BT35 8BG T: E: [email protected] Outreach Clinics: Bessbrook, Crossmaglen, Daisy Hill Hospital, Mullaghbawn, Warrenpoint & Kilkeel. Dungannon & South Tyrone District CAB 5-6 Feeney's Lane, Dungannon, BT70 1TX T: E: [email protected] Outreach Clinics: Aughnacloy, Augher, Clogher, Beacon Centre, Dungannon & Coalisland Womens Aid and Cancer Choices Kylemore Cottages.

8 PAGE 8 SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFITS Employers for Childcare Childcare Benefits Advisory Service offering information and advice on social security benefits, tax credits, help with childcare costs, entitlement to free school meals & other means tested benefits. T: E: [email protected] Jobs and Benefits Offices The Jobs and Benefits Service facilitates those looking for work, claiming benefits or both. Armagh T: Banbridge T: Dungannon T: Lurgan T: Newry & Mourne T: Portadown T:

9 SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFITS PAGE 9 Lurgan Independent Advice & Information Service (LIAISE) Local independent advice office providing advice on on welfare benefits, debt and tribunal representation. Mount Zion House, Lurgan, BT66 6DB T: T: E: E: [email protected] Macmillan/CAB Benefit Uptake Project Benefits advice for for individuals within the the Southern Trust Area who have been diagnosed with cancer. cancer. T: T: E: E: [email protected] NI NI Direct The official government website providing information and advice on on social welfare, legal issues & consumer rights. Anonymous advice via via website. T: T: //

10 PAGE 10 SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFITS Pensions Advisory Service A not-for-profit organisation which provides information and guidance on pension issues, including complaints & disputes. T: E:[email protected] South Tyrone Empowerment Programme (STEP) The Law & Migrants Centre gives free professional legal advice and information on matters of immigration, employment, social security, housing and education which are relevant to migrant workers. 11 Feeneys Lane, Dungannon T: Turn2us Website information on benefits & online assessment in order to maximise income.

11 DEBT MANAGEMENT PAGE 11 Health and wellbeing problems are inextricably linked with high levels of debt. The following provide free debt management services: Advice 4 Debt NI (A4E) A free, confidential and independent debt and money advisory service. T: Text: E: [email protected] Beat the Recession The website provides information and advice on money & debt issues and there is also the option to chat with a trained money adviser online.

12 PAGE 12 DEBT MANAGEMENT Christians Against Poverty (CAP) CAP is a charity offering debt counselling and support with budgeting and managing debt. Services available locally. T: (Appointment Booking) Fax: E: [email protected] Consumer Credit Counselling Service Offers free, anonymous debt and financial planning advice, by telephone or using online tools. T: E: via website Dealing with Debt (Citizens Advice) Free, confidential & independent debt advice delivered by Citizens Advice Bureaux across NI. Online self-help money advice & downloadable leaflets. T: (Appointment Hotline)

13 DEBT MANAGEMENT PAGE 13 Debt Action NI (Advice NI) Free, confidential and face-to-face service for discussing debt advice. Advice NI offices are located across Northern Ireland & are listed on the website. Those within the Southern Trust area are shown below. T: Debt Action Advisors Armagh T: E: Craigavon T: E: Newry T: E:

14 PAGE 14 DEBT MANAGEMENT Money Advice Service Online financial health check. Gives users an action plan to work towards. This service was set up by the government to give free impartial advice on making the most of your money. Money Savings Expert Useful money savings tips. Raw Money This is an interactive website for money management with tips to manage your money better without financial jargon. Small Business Debt Free debt management plans, information and advice. T:

15 LONG-TERM HEALTH CONDITIONS PAGE 15 Some specialist organisations offer advice on benefits, grants and financial management to people suffering from long-term health conditions: Alzheimer s Society T: E: [email protected] Arthritis Care T: E: [email protected] Cancer Choices T: CHARIS (Integrated Cancer Care Ltd) T: Chest, Heart & Stroke Association T: E: [email protected] Macmillan Cancer Support T: (Freephone) E: services are provided via the website

16 PAGE 16 LONG-TERM HEALTH CONDITIONS Mind (Mental Health) T: E: Multiple Sclerosis Trust T: E: NHS Choices (Also see, Your help, Your way which provides financial advice for people with long-term medical conditions). Parkinson s UK T: E: [email protected] Rheumatoid Arthritis Society T: E: [email protected]

17 HO US IN G PAGE 17 Financial wellbeing is vital for maintaining the comfort and stability of a person s home. The following organisations specialise in housing matters: Housing Advice NI Service This is a public advice website developed by Housing Rights Service and offers online DIY advice, tools to help with budgeting and dealing with creditors and access to web chat. Housing Rights Service Offers specialist services and advice on housing related issues, rent arrears, homeowners mortgage support, repossessions. 4 th floor Middleton Buildings High street Belfast BT1 2BA T: T: (Mortgage Debt Helpline)

18 PAGE 18 HO US IN G Northern Ireland Housing Executive Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) provides social rented housing and has statutory obligations in respect of homeless individuals including the provision of emergency accommodation. Local offices can offer advice on housing benefit to assist with housing rental costs. Single Contact Number : Armagh Office 48 Dobbin Street, [email protected] Banbridge Office 56 Bridge Street, [email protected] Craigavon Office 122 Hill Street, [email protected] 41 Thomas Street, [email protected] Dungannon Office Ballygawley Road, [email protected] Newry Office Boat Street, [email protected]

19 FAMILY SUPPORT PAGE 19 Family support organisations provide help, advice and support to families. Some also offer information on grants and financial management: Contact a Family For families with disabled children, this organisation produces a wide range of publications on finances and benefits and free downloadable resources. T: Family Support NI This website provides details of many support services available to families from both the statutory, community and voluntary sectors. T: E: [email protected]

20 PAGE 20 FAMILY SUPPORT South Armagh Women & Family Health Initiative This organisation works in partnership with statutory and voluntary bodies to raise awareness and address the health and support needs of women and families in the rural community. T: E: South Down Family Health Initiative The initiative helps to provide a closer link between families and government services. The aim is to provide coaching & information so that local people can look after both their health as well as financial wellbeing. 4 Great George s Street, Warrenpoint, Newry, BT34 3NF T: E: [email protected]

21 COMMUNITY TRANSPORT PAGE 21 Community transport providers can assist with travel to and from health care appointments. Users should contact their local provider for details and to obtain an accurate charge for their journey: Community Transport Providers Armagh Rural Transport (ART) T: Door-2-Door Transport T: Down, Armagh Rural Transport (DART) T: Dungannon & District Community Transport T: Newry & Mourne Community Transport T:

22 PAGE 22 COMMUNITY & BME NETWORKS These organisations may be able to signpost individuals to specific member organisations. Some of these organisations provide energy efficiency information & financial guidance: ABC Community Network (Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon) T: E: Confederation of Community Groups (Newry & Mourne) T: E: COSTA Rural Support Network (Dungannon & South Tyrone District) T: E: Craigavon Intercultural Programme T: E:

23 COMMUNITY & BME NETWORKS PAGE 23 Newry & Mourne Ethnic Support Centre T: E: Rural Connect Range of support from DARD for farmers and farm families. E: Rural Support Range of confidential support for farmers & farm / rural families. T: T: (Helpline) TADA Rural Support Network (Tyrone, Armagh, Down & Antrim) T: E: [email protected]

24 PAGE 24 FUEL & ENERGY Arrears of gas or electricity are priority debts because fuel suppliers can cut off the power supply if bills are not paid. If difficulties in paying bills do arise, individuals should contact their providers straight away and come to an agreement about how to pay off the arrears. In addition the following may be of help: Energy Saving Trust Provides free and impartial advice on how to save energy and information on grants. T: (free phone) Oil Price Checker This is a price comparison website that allows you to choose the cheapest provider of oil in Northern Ireland at any given time.

25 GRANTS & SCHEMES PAGE 25 There are a range of grants and schemes available, which can help alleviate some financial pressures: Community Energy Support Programme To improve energy efficiency standards and reduce energy bills, residents in low income areas may be eligible for heating renovations to their homes such as boiler replacement, new insulation or a complete fuel switch. Contact local Councils for further information: Armagh City & District Council T: E: [email protected] Banbridge District Council T: E: [email protected] Craigavon Borough Council T: E: [email protected] Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council T: E: [email protected] Newry & Mourne District Council T: E: [email protected]

26 PAGE 26 GRANTS & SCHEMES Boiler Replacement Scheme The scheme will allow up to 1,300 vulnerable households to receive up to 1,500 towards the replacement of older inefficient boilers. Criteria apply. T: Family Fund Grants Provides grants and information to help the carers of a severely disabled child. Applications can be made online at Alternatively you can contact the family fund on and have an application pack sent to your home. Oil Scheme - Stamps for Oil Individuals can purchase fuel stamps for retail outlets signed up to the scheme and once they have saved up enough stamps, they can then redeem their credit from participating oil suppliers. The scheme operates through some conferences of St Vincent de Paul and some local councils. Please contact your local council or SVDP for further information. Contact details on pages 25 and 30.

27 GRANTS & SCHEMES PAGE 27 Social Fund Grants & Loans The Social Fund is administered by Jobs & Benefits Service and provides a range of regulated and discretionary grants and loans. These include sure start maternity grants, funeral payments, cold weather payments, winter fuel payments, community care grants, budgeting loans and crisis loans. Some, like cold weather payments and winter fuel payments, are paid automatically others must be applied for. Contact local Jobs & Benefits offices listed on page 8. Warm Homes Scheme Help for people who receive certain benefits to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient. T: Winter Fuel Payments Helpline:

28 PAGE 28 USEFUL CONTACTS These organisations may provide additional help, support or advice: Age NI This charity does not provide personal financial advice but it can give general financial advice to anyone over the age of 55 years. T: The Consumer Council for N. Ireland Raises awareness on consumer rights, advice on scams, consumer law and consumer credit agreements. T: (Gas, Electricity, Water etc.) T: (High Street/Shopping) Disability Action 11 Georges Street, Dungannon, BT70 1BP T: E:

29 USEFUL CONTACTS PAGE 29 Labour Relations Agency Free confidential impartial advice on employment rights issues. T: E: Salvation Army The Salvation Army is a church registered charity providing practical help and assistance to people in need. Portadown Office 10 Edward Street, Portadown. T: Lurgan Office Union Street, Lurgan. T: Newry Office 14A Trevor Hill, Newry. T:

30 PAGE 30 USEFUL CONTACTS St Vincent De Paul St. Vincent de Paul works to alleviate poverty offering friendship, support, advice and practical help through financial and material assistance. Armagh Office Ogle Street, Armagh. T: Banbridge Office 24 Rathfriland St, Banbridge. T: Craigavon Office Moyraverty Centre, Craigavon. T: Dungannon Office Union Place, Dungannon. T: Lurgan Office Ozanam Centre, William Street. T: Newry Office 40A Bridge Street, Newry. T: Portadown Office Mayfair Centre, Portadown. T:

31 PAGE 31 DISTRESS - HELP & SUPPORT The following organisations may be able to assist at times of of crisis when help and support is is most needed or signpost to the nearest appropriate support organisation: Lifeline (24/7 Suicide prevention) Alcoholics Anonymous CRUSE (bereavement care) For other languages visit: Care in Crisis Carers NI Domestic Abuse Helpline Gamblers Anonymous Samaritans

32 The Financial Wellbeing Guide was produced by Craigavon District Citizens Advice Bureau in collaboration with the Southern Health & Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency. The Guide was funded by the Public Health Agency.