Supporting Financial Wellbeing A guide for Health & Social Care Professionals within the Southern Health & Social Care Trust Area
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.
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 email or online. A downloadable version of the guide is available at: www.citizensadvice.co.uk www.southerntrust.hscni.net www.publichealth.hscni.net Mrs Mairead McAlinden Chief Executive SHSCT Dr Eddie Rooney Chief Executive Public Health Agency
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
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 www.adviceni.net 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: 028 9064 5919 E: info@adviceni.net Access to Benefits (A2B) www.a2b.org.uk 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
PAGE 6 SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFITS Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) www.citizensadvice.co.uk 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: 028 3752 4041 E: armaghcab@citizensadvice.co.uk Outreach Clinics: Tandragee, Richhill, Keady and Markethill. Banbridge District CAB 77 Bridge Street, Banbridge, BT32 3JL T: 028 4062 2201 E: banbridgecab@citizensadvice.co.uk Outreach Clinics: Rathfriland, Dromore & Gilford.
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: 028 3836 1181 E: craigavondistrictcab@citizensadvice.co.uk 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: 028 3026 2934 E: newrycab@citizensadvice.co.uk Outreach Clinics: Bessbrook, Crossmaglen, Daisy Hill Hospital, Mullaghbawn, Warrenpoint & Kilkeel. Dungannon & South Tyrone District CAB 5-6 Feeney's Lane, Dungannon, BT70 1TX T: 028 8772 5299 E: dungannoncab@citizensadvice.co.uk Outreach Clinics: Aughnacloy, Augher, Clogher, Beacon Centre, Dungannon & Coalisland Womens Aid and Cancer Choices Kylemore Cottages.
PAGE 8 SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFITS Employers for Childcare www.employersforchildcare.org 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: 0800 028 6538 E: cba@employersforchildcare.org Jobs and Benefits Offices The Jobs and Benefits Service facilitates those looking for work, claiming benefits or both. Armagh T: 028 3752 9777 Banbridge T: 028 4062 0800 Dungannon T: 028 8775 4754 Lurgan T: 028 3831 5600 Newry & Mourne T: 028 3026 5522 Portadown T: 028 3839 7244
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: 028 3832 5764 E: E: liaise@mzhouse.org 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: 028 3831 7066 E: E: craigavondistrictcab@citizensadvice.co.uk NI NI Direct www.nidirect.gov.uk The official government website providing information and advice on on social welfare, legal issues & consumer rights. Anonymous advice via via website. T: T: 0800 220 674 // 0800 882 200
PAGE 10 SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFITS Pensions Advisory Service www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk A not-for-profit organisation which provides information and guidance on pension issues, including complaints & disputes. T: 0845 601 2923 E:enquiries@pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk South Tyrone Empowerment Programme (STEP) www.stepni.org 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: 028 8775 0211 Turn2us www.turn2us.org.uk Website information on benefits & online assessment in order to maximise income.
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) www.advice4debtni.com A free, confidential and independent debt and money advisory service. T: 0800 917 4607 Text: 07797809218 E: advice4debtni@a4e.co.uk Beat the Recession www.beattherecession.me The website provides information and advice on money & debt issues and there is also the option to chat with a trained money adviser online.
PAGE 12 DEBT MANAGEMENT Christians Against Poverty (CAP) www.capuk.org CAP is a charity offering debt counselling and support with budgeting and managing debt. Services available locally. T: 0800 328 0006 (Appointment Booking) Fax: 01274 760745 E: info@capuk.org Consumer Credit Counselling Service www.cccs.co.uk Offers free, anonymous debt and financial planning advice, by telephone or using online tools. T: 0800 138 1111 E: via website Dealing with Debt (Citizens Advice) www.dealingwithdebt.org.uk Free, confidential & independent debt advice delivered by Citizens Advice Bureaux across NI. Online self-help money advice & downloadable leaflets. T: 0844 8552104 (Appointment Hotline)
DEBT MANAGEMENT PAGE 13 Debt Action NI (Advice NI) www.debtaction-ni.net 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: 0800 027 4990 Debt Action Advisors Armagh T: 028 3752 8462 E: james@adviceni.net Craigavon T: 028 3832 5764 E: jim@adviceni.net Newry T: 028 3082 5250 E: roisin.walton@mindwisenv.org
PAGE 14 DEBT MANAGEMENT Money Advice Service www.healthcheck.moneyadviceservice.org.uk 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 www.moneysavingsexpert.com Useful money savings tips. Raw Money www.bbc.co.uk This is an interactive website for money management with tips to manage your money better without financial jargon. Small Business Debt www.payplan.com Free debt management plans, information and advice. T: 0800 280 2816
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: 028 9066 4100 E: michelle.warriner@alzheimers.org.uk Arthritis Care T: 028 9078 2940 E: nireland@arthritiscare.org.uk Cancer Choices www.cancerchoices.org.uk T: 028 8772 9850 CHARIS (Integrated Cancer Care Ltd) www.chariscancercare.org T: 028 8676 9217 Chest, Heart & Stroke Association T: 08457 697 299 E: mail@nichsa.com Macmillan Cancer Support www.macmillan.org.uk T: 0808 808 0000 (Freephone) E: Email services are provided via the website
PAGE 16 LONG-TERM HEALTH CONDITIONS Mind (Mental Health) www.mind.org.uk T: 0300 123 3393 E: info@mind.org.uk Multiple Sclerosis Trust T: 0800 032 3839 E: info@mstrust.org.uk NHS Choices www.nhs.uk (Also see, Your help, Your way which provides financial advice for people with long-term medical conditions). Parkinson s UK www.parkinsons.org.uk T: 0844 225 3686 E: isw.armagh@parkinsons.org.uk Rheumatoid Arthritis Society www.rheumatoid.org.uk T: 0800 298 7650 E: helpline@nras.org.uk
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 www.housingadviceni.org 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 www.housingrights.org.uk Offers specialist services and advice on housing related issues, rent arrears, homeowners mortgage support, repossessions. 4 th floor Middleton Buildings 10-12 High street Belfast BT1 2BA T: 028 9024 5640 T: 300 323 0310 (Mortgage Debt Helpline)
PAGE 18 HO US IN G Northern Ireland Housing Executive www.nihe.gov.uk 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 : 03448 920 900 Armagh Office 48 Dobbin Street, Armagh-armagh@nihe.gov.uk Banbridge Office 56 Bridge Street, Banbridge-banbridge@nihe.gov.uk Craigavon Office 122 Hill Street, Lurgan-LurganBrownlow@nihe.gov.uk 41 Thomas Street, Portadown-Portadown@nihe.gov.uk Dungannon Office Ballygawley Road, Dungannon-dungannon@nihe.gov.uk Newry Office 35-45 Boat Street, Newry-newrydistrict@nihe.gov.uk
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 www.cafamily.org.uk For families with disabled children, this organisation produces a wide range of publications on finances and benefits and free downloadable resources. T: 0808 808 3555 Family Support NI www.familysupportni.gov.uk This website provides details of many support services available to families from both the statutory, community and voluntary sectors. T: 0845 600 6483 E: info@familysupportni.gov.uk
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: 028 3088 9073 E: wfhealth@btconnect.com South Down Family Health Initiative www.southdownhealthinitiative.com 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: 028417 74248 E: sdfhi@btconnect.com
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: 028 3751 8151 Door-2-Door Transport T: 0845 9800 800 Down, Armagh Rural Transport (DART) T: 028 3831 7810 Dungannon & District Community Transport T: 028 8772 9714 Newry & Mourne Community Transport T: 028 3026 5635
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: 02838392777 E: info@abccommunitynetwork.com Confederation of Community Groups (Newry & Mourne) T: 028 302 61022 E: info@ccgnewrycommunity.org COSTA Rural Support Network www.costarsn.org (Dungannon & South Tyrone District) T: 028 8555 6880 E: costa.network@virgin.net Craigavon Intercultural Programme T: 028 3839 3372 E: info@craigavonintercultural.org
COMMUNITY & BME NETWORKS PAGE 23 Newry & Mourne Ethnic Support Centre T: 028 3025 2544 E: ethnicsupport@newryandmourne.gov.uk Rural Connect Range of support from DARD for farmers and farm families. www.dardni.gov.uk E: rural.connect@dardni.gov.uk Rural Support Range of confidential support for farmers & farm / rural families. www.ruralsupport.org.uk T: 028 8676 0040 T: 0845 6067 607 (Helpline) TADA Rural Support Network (Tyrone, Armagh, Down & Antrim) T: 028 3839 8888 E: info@tadarsn.com
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 www.energysavingtrust.org.uk Provides free and impartial advice on how to save energy and information on grants. T: 0800 512012 (free phone) Oil Price Checker www.cheapestoil.co.uk This is a price comparison website that allows you to choose the cheapest provider of oil in Northern Ireland at any given time.
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: 028 3752 9600 E: Info@armagh.gov.uk Banbridge District Council T: 028 4066 0600 E: info@banbridge.gov.uk Craigavon Borough Council T: 028 38312400 E: info@craigavon.gov.uk Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council T: 028 8772 0300 E: info@dungannon.gov.uk Newry & Mourne District Council T: 028 3031 3037 E: administration@newryandmourne.gov.uk
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: 03448 920 900 Family Fund Grants Provides grants and information to help the carers of a severely disabled child. Applications can be made online at www.familyfund.org.uk. Alternatively you can contact the family fund on 08449 744 099 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.
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 www.warm-homes.com Help for people who receive certain benefits to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient. T: 0800 988 0559 Winter Fuel Payments Helpline: 0845 9151515
PAGE 28 USEFUL CONTACTS These organisations may provide additional help, support or advice: Age NI www.ageni.org This charity does not provide personal financial advice but it can give general financial advice to anyone over the age of 55 years. T: 0808 808 7575 The Consumer Council for N. Ireland www.consumercouncil.org.uk Raises awareness on consumer rights, advice on scams, consumer law and consumer credit agreements. T: 028 9067 2488 (Gas, Electricity, Water etc.) T: 0300 123 6262 (High Street/Shopping) Disability Action 11 Georges Street, Dungannon, BT70 1BP T: 028 8775 2372 E: dungannon@disabilityaction.org
USEFUL CONTACTS PAGE 29 Labour Relations Agency www.lra.org.uk Free confidential impartial advice on employment rights issues. T: 028 9032 1442 E: info@lra.org.uk 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: 028 3833 7684 Lurgan Office Union Street, Lurgan. T: 028 3832 3222 Newry Office 14A Trevor Hill, Newry. T: 028 3026 3537
PAGE 30 USEFUL CONTACTS St Vincent De Paul www.svp-ni.org St. Vincent de Paul works to alleviate poverty offering friendship, support, advice and practical help through financial and material assistance. Armagh Office 19-21 Ogle Street, Armagh. T: 028 3751 0922 Banbridge Office 24 Rathfriland St, Banbridge. T: 028 4066 2047 Craigavon Office Moyraverty Centre, Craigavon. T: 028 3834 4881 Dungannon Office Union Place, Dungannon. T: 028 8772 7323 Lurgan Office Ozanam Centre, William Street. T: 028 3832 2102 Newry Office 40A Bridge Street, Newry. T: 028 3026 8185 Portadown Office Mayfair Centre, Portadown. T: 028 3839 3898
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 0808 808 8000 (24/7 Suicide prevention) Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 7697555 CRUSE (bereavement care) 0844 4779400 For other languages visit: www.befrienders.org Care in Crisis 028 3832 9900 Carers NI 028 9043 9843 Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 9171414 Gamblers Anonymous 028 7135 1329 Samaritans 0845 7909090
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.