Community News December 8, 2020
SE16 Benefits Guidance Clinics launch at Thrive in Canada Water
Local charity Big Local Works is launching a 1:1 benefits and welfare support service for SE16 residents who are in need of support and advice.
Demand for welfare and benefits support has unfortunately greatly increased due to the economic consequences of the Covid pandemic. Due to this, a guidance clinic is being launched to offer support from Canada Water, so that SE16 residents can easily access support if they need it. Big Local Works already support a significant number of people facing extreme hardship from The Blue in Bermondsey, and British Land is funding the clinic in Canada Water given that there is not currently a benefits and welfare support service in SE16.
Advisors at the benefits and welfare support clinic can assist with:
- Form filling for benefits/universal credit applications – including helping you to build the understanding, confidence and abilities to manage this yourself moving forward
- Benefit checks (making sure people are in receipt of the right amounts)
- Accompanying you at assessment centres and when decisions are wrong filling in appeal forms
- Attending appeal hearings, something which Big Local Works specialises in
- Helping to identify support and training opportunities to support clients into employment
The primary focus of appointments is to help clients receive the right financial support. Advisors can also offer support to clients to identify alternative options where appropriate, such as employment and training opportunities, as part of the Canada Water Masterplan and further afield.
The weekly Canada Water Benefits Guidance clinics are starting in Canada Water on Wednesday 9 December, and appointments are available between 10am-4pm. They will run from ‘Thrive’ – the local SE16 community business hub based in Surrey Quays Leisure Park – and will complement the existing business support and advice services that Thrive offers.
To book an appointment, email lea-anne@biglocalworks.org.uk or phone 07526 84770. For more information, you can also visit Big Local Works’ website here.