Advic e L i n k N ew s

a Dif fe re nc e To geth er
Making
R 2008
Issue 12 - DECEMBE www.advicelink.org.
uk

CONFERENCE REPORT
This year’s Blackpool Advisers’ Conference took place on Tuesday 18th Novem-
ber at the Solaris,
South Promenade.
There was a mix of
speakers and work-
shops and the
chance to network
and chat to other
service providers in
the area.

The event was a great success and was well at-

tended by over 60 delegates. During the
Conference Report
morning there were speakers from Job Centre
Plus, Trading Standards, Housing Enforcement,
Gateshead Community Legal Advice Centre
and Advice Link giving information regarding
future changes and developments.
After refreshments, lunchtime was spent
networking and viewing displays. conference
Workshops held in the afternoon included Dis-
ability Living Allowance, the Financial Service
Authority, Employment Support Allowance,
“Save Xmas” debt development and CLACs and
CLANs for those who hold LSC contracts or are
directly involved in the delivery of Legal
Advice. There were relaxed exchanges of views
and information in the speaker slots and the Inside this Issue:
workshops. The feedback from delegates was
very positive and this was one of the most Conference report Page 1
successful conferences in the 6 years since they
began.A big thank you to the speakers for their Carers Rights Day event Pages 2—3
contribution. Big Lottery Fund news Page 4
Comments included: “very useful and What’s new and what’s on Pages 6-7
enjoyable day” “all parts very informative”
“excellent contents and organisation” “very
Do you know about? Pages 8—12
useful for gaining knowledge and networking”
“overall positive experience” “worthwhile Useful numbers & dates for Page 13—14
event”. diaries
Page 2 Advice Link News

Carers Rights Day Event 2008

A carer is someone who supports a spouse, partner, relative or friend who cannot manage
on his or her own. You do not have to live with the person, nor do you have to be the only
person who does the caring.
The 9th Annual Carers Rights Day was held at Springfield Methodist Church on Friday 5th December
2008. Present were advisers’ from many local services for carers. These included Blackpool Carers
Centre, Age Concern, The Lever Centre, Health Trainers, Blackpool Older Adult Community Mental
Health Team, CAB, Care and Repair, Parkwood Helpline, Help the Aged, Adult Basic Skills from
Blackpool and the Fylde College and Project Counter Attack,
There were also advisers from the Council’s Benefits Team, Disability Information and Support, The
Pension Service, JobCentre Plus, Service Development, HOAS, Direct Payments, Voluntary Service and
the Benefits Bus made an appearance!
The event was attended and supported by MPs Joan Humble and Gordon Marsden who discussed
current issues with the advisers and spoke to residents and carers.
The main objective of the day was to make a difference to local carers’in the Blackpool area e.g.
· To increase the take up of benefits
· Make sure carers know their rights
· Guide carers towards practical support
· Raise awareness of the needs of carers
Tea, coffee and mince pies were served in a very relaxed atmosphere.

The day was well attended with information and advice given to approximately 40 residents.

Comments included — “keep up with the events” “very helpful and useful” “good idea to
have all the organisations together” “have these events more often to inform people of their
entitlements especially for older people” “more help with filling in forms would be beneficial”
“have these events in other districts” “very friendly”.
Issue 12 December 2008 Page 3

Carers Rights Day 2008

Services Blackpool Carers Centre provides for carers:

Carers Support Groups - these groups are led by carers

and facilitated by a member of the Blackpool Carers
Centre Team. We meet on a monthly basis at various
times (e.g. day and evening groups). Carers share
common experiences, make new friends and receive
useful advice and information.

Leisure and Learning Courses - free or subsidised

courses are arranged throughout the year in such MPs Joan Humble and Gordon
things as Basic I.T, First Aid, Yoga and crafts. We also Marsden with Angela Ross, Sue
Edwards and Pam Cochrrane
organise talks and workshops for information, personal
development and a break for carers.

Breaks & Holidays - can be organised for groups and

individuals to provide respite to those in need of a
break from their caring role.

One to one Emotional Support - provided to carers who

are finding the role of being a carer emotionally
challenging and need the opportunity to talk about
their situation on a one to one basis.

Advice and information - We can offer confidential

advice and information to carers and signpost to
relevant services that can provide further help.

Carers Mailing list - a free quarterly newsletter

containing information about events held by the centre
and information on what’s happening in the
community to help carers.

Carers Forum - an opportunity to help shape the future

of carers services in Blackpool.

For more information about services and how to access them please contact:

Blackpool Carers Centre, Norman House, Robson Way, Blackpool, FY3 7PP
Tel: 01253 393 748 Email: angela.ross@blackpoolcarerscentre.co.uk
Web: www.carers.org/blackpool

Blackpool Carers Centre is a Registered Charity

Number: 1114558
Part of the Princess Royal Trust Network for Carers
Page 4 Advice Link News

Advice Link Project news

Big Lottery Fund 2009 to 2014 for the Advice Link Network

Thanks to those who collaborated to put together the bid - Blackpool CAB, Advice Link,
Fylde CAB, Wyre CAB, SURF , Shelter Lancashire , Age Concern Blackpool, Age
Concern Lancashire, Disability Information & Support, Blackpool Wyre & Fylde CVS -
BLF funding should be finalised from April 2009 onwards :
• to maintain and develop the existing Advice Link Network
• to extend the service and benefits to Fylde and Wyre advice agencies
• so that people in greatest need receive timely, accurate and effective legal advice
that is quality assured and joined up with other services, making individuals better
equipped to deal with their problems and improve their lives.
Over the 5 years, the £495,551 Big Lottery funding contributes to the continuation of
Network activities:
Coordination and development of the partnership
• Network meetings and annual conference
• Network advisers’ toolkit
• Specialist and Problem Noticer training
Better access for users and potential users
• Extension and development of signposting and referral system
• “Where to go for advice” posters, leaflets
• Targeted events / activities where need identified - such as advice road-
shows in local community venues providing convenient access to a range of
network partners
Quality coordination and development
• Quality awareness raising seminars and workshops
• Adoption of suitable advice standard

The Advice Link project is here to support the Advice Link Network.
If you would like to:
- receive notification of Advice Link Network meetings and copies of the minutes
- host a future meeting or just find out more
please let the Advice Link team know!
Write to: Advice Link, c/o Blackpool Council, Town Hall, Blackpool FY1 1AD

Tel: 01253 476843 Website: www.advicelink.org.uk

Fax: 01253 477766 Email: advicelink @blackpool.gov.uk
Issue 12 December 2008
What’s
Did you
new
know
and about……?
what’s on?
Recognition!
AdviceUK cite Advice Link
in good practice guide
The Advice Link Network has been nationally
recognised in the:
Working Together for Advice-Enhancing
Frontline Advice good practice briefings.
Agnes Gautier, Development Consultant,
AdviceUK said - “Thanks for being a part of
this project, your contribution has been
invaluable. We already have had some very
positive feedback from our members.”
You can see yourselves on-line at:
www.adviceuk.org.uk
And see what other networks are doing, and
what their plans are for the future.
Anorexia Nervosa
Jane Wild has gained a 7303 City & Guilds
Teaching Certificate in the Life Long Learning
Sector (PTTLS). Her specialised subject is the
Awareness, Consequences and Hidden Depths
of Anorexia Nervosa.
If anyone would like a Presentation from Jane
there are:
1. 3 hour Presentation - Anorexia Nervosa.
2. 6 hour Training Day this includes hands
on - Anorexia Nervosa.
3. 3 hour Presentation - Mental Health.
4. 3 hour Presentation - Anorexia Ner-
vosa/Mental Health
For more detail please email Jane on hopefora-
norexia@hotmail.co.uk
Visit www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers for information from the DWP for advisers and professionals and a
catalogue of DWP products including, leaflets, posters and technical guides.
Page 5
Opportunistic
Brief
Intervention
Training For Alcohol Problems
One day training is available to those likely to
come into contact, through their work, with people
who may have a problem with alcohol. At the end
of the training participants will have:
• Knowledge and understanding of alcohol,
calculation of units and the effects of alcohol
on the community as well as individuals and
families.
• Knowledge of how a problem can evolve and
use of diagnostic tools to recognise the
severity of the problem.
• A full manual to take away and use
immediately including: motivational
interviewing, fast audit, scaling questions,
recognising patterns, drink diaries and many
more.
• An awareness of how and when to refer
clients to other agencies.
This training is free and available on the dates
attached OR we can tailor a course to suit your
individual agency requirements. The course is
fun, informative and extremely useful. We now
have places available in January, February and
March 2009
DATES AVAILABLE:
20th January 2009
3rd February 2009
24th February 2009
10th March 2009
24th March 2009
VENUE: 49-55 COOKSON STREET
BLACKPOOL
If you are interested or want more details call:
Avril Widlake OBI Trainer on 01253 752100 or
mobile 07976 727 539
(or Paul Burnett Administrator 01253 752100)
ADS 45-55, Cookson Street Blackpool FY1 3DR
Page 6 Advice Link News

What’s new and what’s on

Blackpool Tiggers started in 2004 as a trampolining group for 8 children on the autistic
spectrum. It has expanded to offer services for more than 100 local families affected by
Autism and has inspired groups in Rossendale, Preston, Lancaster, Fleetwood and Bolton.
Tigger groups are self managed with support from the committee and volunteers. In
Blackpool there is now Trampolining, Martial Arts, Music Tiggers and an extensive holiday
activity programme, including weekends away.
The group is managed by a parent led committee and staffed by volunteers; all of who are
vetted and given training using our own custom designed courses and sponsored to gain
externally recognised qualifications.
For more information please contact:
Blackpool Tiggers
Registered Charity Number 1120836.
98b Park Road
Rear All Saints Hall
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY1 4ES

Scotland and Northern Ireland or 17 or

The Family Fund gives grants to lower income
families with severely disabled children for things
that make life easier and more enjoyable. It is the
largest charitable sector grant-maker to families,
giving around £29 million to about 48,000 families
each year for things such as holidays, washing
machines, driving lessons, computers and hospital The Family Fund cannot help children and young
visiting costs. All funding comes from the
governments of England, Northern Ireland,
Scotland and Wales.
Parents or carers of severely disabled children
can apply if:
· Their child is 16yrs or under in England,
under in Wales; and
· Their household’s annual earned income
before tax, excluding overtime, is less than
£23,000 in England, Scotland and
Northern Ireland or £25,000 in Wales; and
·They have less than £18,000 in savings;
and
·They have lived in the UK for six months
and have permanent residency here.
people in local authority care, including
those living with relatives or foster carers.
For more information:
Call 0845 130 4542 or
Visit www.familyfund.org.uk
Issue 12 December 2008 Page 7

What’s new and what’s on

v has been set up to inspire a new generation of 16 – 25 year olds to get involved in volunteering and
community action. vinvolved is England's biggest ever youth action programme
V prepared to volunteer Blackpool’s youngsters are being invited to try their hand at graffiti art,
massage, a fashion challenge and lots more at a free fun event on Saturday 10th January at the
Winter Gardens Horseshoe Arena, Church Street, from 3pm – 8pm.

Lancashire Education Business Partnership’s (LEBP) Blackpool vinvolved team works in partnership
with Blackpool Council and is calling on 16 – 25 year olds to come along to find out more about
volunteering opportunities.
Pat Naylor, Blackpool ‘s vinvolved team manager is keen for young people to come and get
vinvolved in fun activities and speak to local volunteering organisations.
“Volunteering provides a great opportunity to play a leading role in your community, be part of a
team and improve your CV – and most of all it’s FUN!”
“You don’t need to have had previous volunteering experience or qualifications – just a desire to
help others and make a difference in your community”
vinvolved is the nation’s biggest ever youth action programme backed by £75 million funding from
v, the youth volunteering charity.

The event runs from 3pm – 6pm and is followed by performances from DJ’s and local
bands from 6pm – 8pm at The Blackpool Winter Gardens.
For more information please contact the Blackpool vinvolved team on 01253 476168 or email
vinvolvedblackpool@lebp.co.uk

v is the youth volunteering charity launched in May 2006 whose mission is to inspire a new
generation of young volunteers in England aged 16-25. v is supported by the Office of the Third
Sector in the Cabinet Office.
The charity was set up to implement the recommendations of the Russell Commission outlining a
new national framework for youth action and engagement, following a nationwide consultation
which included 6000 young people.

vinvolved is v’s £75 million national youth volunteering programme, which aims to inspire 500,000
young people aged 16-25 to get positively involved in their communities over the next three
years. It is funding 107 vinvolved teams of experts, at least 107 Youth Action Teams and 158
projects run by small and large organisations across England.
The vinvolved teams are youth experts tasked with recruiting the new YATs, signposting young
people to volunteering opportunities in their area and linking up with local businesses, voluntary
organisations and local authorities to create new volunteering opportunities.

To find out more about v visit the charity’s website www.wearev.com. To find out about
volunteering opportunities in your area visit v’s portal for young people www.vinspired.com
Page 8 Advice Link News

Do you know about……?

Information to holders of the new-
style driving licence
Do you help Motorists are at risk of being fined up to
people back £1,000 because they are unwittingly
into work? driving without a valid licence.
They risk prosecution after failing to spot
Please see below the dates of the Pathways to the small print on their photo card licence
Employment meetings for 2009. If anyone would like to which says it automatically expires after
give a short (15-30 minute) presentation about their 10 years and has to be renewed - even
service at any of these meetings please let Maria know. though drivers are licensed to drive until
All the following meetings will be at 10.30am, room 2 the age of 70.
Blackpool Stadium, Seasiders Way FY1 6JY (Blackpool A total of 25 million new-style licences
football club) have been issued but - motoring experts
· 27th February say - drivers were never sufficiently
· 29th May warned they would expire after 10 years.
· 14th August Motorists who fail to renew their licences
· 27th November in time are allowed to continue driving.
But the DVLA says they could be
For more information contact: charged with 'failing to surrender their
Maria Kerswill licence', an offence carrying a £1,000
Employment Development Worker fine.
Tel: 01253 353301 It is not generally known that photo card
Mobile: 07843268078 licences expire: there appears to be a
Email: Maria.Kerswill@makingspace.co.uk lack of information that people will have
Visit: www.makingspace.co.uk to renew these licences. It will come as a
Address: Making Space, The Workspace Project, Unit 11 surprise to motorists and a shock that
Fox's Industrial Estate, Holyoake AvenueBispham, Black- they have to pay an extra £17.50.
pool, FY2 0QX
For more information go to the DVLA
website: www.dvla.gov.uk

Blackpool CAB is able to offer advice in Blackpool and Wyre District area on the following subjects:
• Tax Credits – Advice and help completing forms
• Milk tokens
• Child trust fund - Advice
• Payslip/NI /P45/P60s - Advice
• And advice on other tax related issues.
Advisers can
• Provide this service for you as a presentation or part of an event.
• Advise individuals about any of these issues or for help completing tax credit application forms.
• Email a poster and leaflets to use for publicity if an event or presentation is booked.
If you would like to take advantage of any of these services please contact Jill or Karen on 01253
308432 or 01253 308433
Email jill.kerr@blackpoolcab.org.uk or karen.wilson@blackpoolcab.org.uk or deb-
bie.lees@blackpoolcab.org.uk
Issue 12 December 2008
Do you know about……?
AWARDS FOR ALL CHANGES
Following a review of the Awards for All England
programme, From 1 April 2009 each of the
lottery distributors supporting the scheme will
have their own small grants programmes up and
running. Applications can still be made under the
current arrangements until 31 March 2009.
Overall, across all the distributors, it is
anticipated that new money available for small
grants in 2009-10 will be comparable to money
that was available to community groups through
Awards for All in 2008-2009.
The distributors will each run their own small
grants programme as follows:
· Big Lottery Fund will launch a new small
grants programme on 1 April 2009 awarding
grants of £300 to £10,000 to local
communities in 2009-2010.
· Sport England will provide small grants for
sports ranging from £300 - £10,000 from
1 April 2009.
· Arts Council England will provide small
grants through their existing ‘Grants for the
arts’ programme, supporting awards between
£1,000 and £100,000.
Heritage Lottery Fund small grants will be provided
through the existing 'Your Heritage' (£3,000 to
£50,000) and 'Young Roots (£3,000 to £25,000)
schemes.
TRADING STANDARDS…………….
can offer talks to agencies or groups on Consumer Rights, Doorstep Crime and what Trading
Standards can offer as a service. Interested groups will be sent a questionnaire where they can
select subjects or information they would like to know more
about. The talks are free of charge and also available out of
working hours i.e. after 5.00 pm and weekends.
Any interested parties can telephone
Karen Jones on 01253 478375.
Page 9
“Wheels 2 Work is the only organisation
providing transport-based support to young
people in the North West”
Wheels 2 Work is an exciting innovative
scheme which has been developed to provide
short term transport solutions to young people
living or working in rural or urban areas where
timetables may not match shift patterns, nor
routes link homes and workplaces.
The scheme provides the short term loan of a
moped to assist people who are experiencing
difficulty getting to work, training or education.
Funded by the North West Development
Agency, there is now a North West Region of
Wheels 2 Work and Wheels 2 Learning
schemes, operating throughout Cheshire,
Cumbria and Lancashire.
Aimed at 16-20 year old's, the Region aims to
help 540 young people into work, studying or
apprenticeship over the first two years of
operation (by December 2008).
For more information contact Jan or Sabina at:
CXL, Head Office, Chorley House, Centurian
Way, Leyland PR26 6TT
Email info@cxl-uk.com
Tel: 01772 642400
Fax: 01772 642401
Page 10 Advice Link News

Do you know about……?

Spot a stroke. You could save a life.
A stroke is a brain attack, caused by blood being cut off to the brain.
It's the UK's third biggest killer and leaves many more people severely disabled. But
emergency treatment can make all the difference.
The FAST test, a simple way to identify whether a person may be having a stroke:
If we all learn FAST, we can dramatically improve the chances of survival and recovery.

www.stroke.org.uk/fast

Just think FAST.

You can order FAST posters and a DVD showing someone using the FAST test
Up to 4 items are supplied free of charge. All of the FAST materials can also be downloaded for
free in PDF format from the website at www.stroke.org.uk

As part of the campaign there are the following materials

• The FAST poster, available in both A3 and A4 sizes

• The FAST leaflet, which includes a wallet-sized card that can be detached
• The FAST training DVD £15 each + P&P

F A S T
Face Arm weakness Speech problems Time to call
weakness Can the person raise Can the person speak 999
Can the person both arms? clearly and understand Any one of these
smile? Has their what you say? symptoms could
mouth or either eye indicate a stroke.
dropped?

If you suspect a stroke, call 999 immediately.

The Face, Arm, Speech, Time test (FAST) is used
and recommended by paramedics and The Stroke Association.

Learn FAST.
Issue 12 December 2008 Page 11

Did you know ……?

BLACKPOOL PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH FORUM
The first meeting of the Blackpool Public Mental
Health Forum is to be held on Friday 30th
January 2009 10am - 12pm at the Solaris
Centre. The aims and objectives of this group
are:
o To lead on public mental health strategies in
the Blackpool locality
o To facilitate the implementation of recommen-
dations outlined in Standard 1 and Standard 7
of the National Service Framework for Mental
Health
o To be a central point of information sharing on
all relevant initiatives and evidence-based
practice related to public mental health
As lunch will be provided following this first
meeting, please can you confirm your attendance
to the administrator:
Jayne Halhead and specify any special dietary
requirements on: 01253 651035 or
jayne.halhead@blackpool.nhs.uk
This meeting is open to interested organisations
and individuals.
Zohra Lambat - Health Development Manager
Elaine Walker - Primary Care Mental Health
Team Integrated Project/Team Project Manager
Debbie Tucker - Community Services Lead
(Rehab)

Pay for something 75. — (1) If the debtor retailer.

costing between £100
and £30,000 on a
credit card and the
card company is
equally liable if
something goes
wrong.
This isn’t the credit card
company being nice, it’s
a legal protection put in
place so that you’re never
in the position of paying
debt for something you
didn’t receive or wasn’t
as it should’ve been.
Whether it’s a flight,
kitchen, Christmas gifts
or anything else, pay on
a credit card and the card
company's responsible
too.
The law behind this is
Section 75 of the
Consumer Credit Act
1974, which says…
under a debtor-creditor-
supplier agreement falling
within section 12(b) or
(c) has, in relation to a
transaction financed by
the agreement, any claim
against the supplier in
respect of a
misrepresentation or
breach of contract, he
shall have a like claim
against the creditor, who,
with the supplier, shall
accordingly be jointly and
severally liable to the
debtor.
This piece of legislation is
your protection, it means
if you order something
and the retailer goes
bust, sells you faulty
goods or just fails to
deliver your goods, you
have exactly the same
rights with the credit card
company as with the
So, if you’re buying gifts,
ordering goods, tickets or
flights worth over £100,
pay for some or all of it
on a credit card to ensure
you’re protected
(remember to keep your
receipts as well as your
credit card statement).
Just to clarify, this
protection only applies to
credit and store cards,
NOT debit cards or
charge cards.
The golden rule as ever
when buying on a credit
card - always set up a
direct debit to pay the
card off in full each
month, so you'll never
pay interest!
Advice Link
Money Advice Team
Page 12
Health Trainers
Health Trainers are a free local
service offering information and
support to help individuals improve
their lifestyle and general health.
Individuals set the goal, whether it be to
become more active, eat more
healthily, or look at improving areas
where they are tempted into unhealthy
habits, and health trainers support them
along the way. Health Trainers are
here to listen and provide a free,
friendly and confidential service, and
are continually monitoring and looking
to improve our service through service
user feedback.
Health Trainers can provide:-
1. Guidance and support in improving
mental health and well-being
2. One to one meetings
3. Information on local fitness/leisure
centres, Free local activities and social
events
4. Information on healthier eating and
exercise
5. Referral to other agencies such as
smoking cessation
6. Support and also accompany you to
new places and groups.
For information
contact the
Volunteer Centre on 01253 301004
Volunteer Centre
Advice Link News
“BENEFIT BUS”
COMES TO TOWN
BLACKPOOL COUNCIL HAS A NOVEL WAY OF
TRYING TO INCREASE BENEFIT
TAKE -UP – A‘BENEFITS BUS’ !
SO IF YOU:
• HAVE ANY BENEFIT QUESTIONS
• WANT TO KNOW IF YOU MIGHT QUALIFY
• OR NEED ANY HELP ABOUT HOW TO A PPLY
THEN PLEASE COME ALONG AND ASK
EXPERI ENCED BENEFIT STAFF WILL BE
AVAILABLE TO GIVE ADVICE
The bus will be in Blackpool on the following
•dates:
• JANUARY 19th to JANUARY 23rd 2009
DETAILS OF VENUES WILL BE PUBLICISED
NEARER THE TIME
Blackpool man wins award in
Positive Action Awards 2008
The work of engaging disabled people in the community
and in Blackpool is being recognised.
The Northwest Positive Action Awards took take place
on the 15th October in Warrington to reward businesses,
service providers and individuals that are making a real
difference to the lives of disabled people and carers in
England’s Northwest. Disabled people across the
region have spent the last 12 months nominating
employers, businesses, services providers and
individuals who promote independence, deliver
accessible and/or inclusive services or maintain
exemplary employment practices for disabled people
and carers in throughout the region, and Stephen
Brookes MBE, Disability and Diversity Writer and
Consultant, Vice Chair - Blackpool Equality Forum, was
one of the award winners. This year’s winners include
individuals who have dedicated their lives to enabling
disabled people to become more independent and to
advise and accommodate the needs of disabled people.
Issue 12 December 2008 Page 13

The Community Legal Service Quality Mark

The following organisations offering
legal and advice services within the
Community Legal Service (CLS)
have won the right to display the
CLS logo, showing that they meet
the Quality Mark standards for
legal and advice services. Many of
the organisations within the CLS
offer some or all of their services
for free. Others may charge for
their services. Any legal services
provider who wishes to be part of
the CLS must achieve the
minimum standards set by the
Quality Mark.

FAMILY CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE

Specialist Ashley Fisher 751585 Specialist Sarah Barclay 356051
Specialist Atkinson Cave & Stuart 293151
Specialist Barker Booth & Eastwood 362500 CONSUMER GENERAL CONTRACT
Gen+c/w Trading Standards 478375
Specialist Blackhursts 293061
Specialist Cobains 290092 DEBT
Specialist Cooper Nimmo 626793 Specialist Atkinson Cave & Stuart 293151
Specialist Inghams 626642 Specialist Barker Booth & Eastwood 362500
Specialist John Budd & Co 626557 Specialist Blackpool CAB 308400
Specialist Lawson Samuel Capaldi 302822 also for Welfare Benefits

Specialist Leslie Harris 293195 Specialist Roland Robinsons & Fentons 621432
Specialist Lonsdales 345258
Specialist Napthens 622305 EDUCATION
Specialist Pond Marsh 620466 Specialist Maxwell Gillott (Lancaster) 01524 596080
Specialist Roland Robinsons & Fentons 621432
Specialist W H Darbyshire 346646 EMPLOYMENT
Specialist Warings 293106 Specialist Barker Booth & Eastwood 362500

CRIME HOUSING
Specialist Ashley Fisher 751585 Specialist Atkinson Cave & Stuart 293151
Specialist Atkinson Cave & Stuart 293151 Specialist Barker Booth & Eastwood 362500
Specialist Barrett Nelligan 292848 Specialist Roland Robinson & Fentons 621432
Specialist Blackhursts 293061 Specialist Shelter 0844 515 1831
Specialist Cobains 290092

Specialist John Budd & Co 626557 MENTAL HEALTH

Specialist Lawson Samuel Capaldi 302822 Specialist Lonsdales 345258
Specialist Leslie Harris 293195
Specialist Michael J Ball 749135 WELFARE BENEFITS

Specialist Pond Marsh 620466 Specialist Blackpool CAB — 308400

Specialist Roland Robinsons & Fentons 621432 Gen+c/w also for Debt

Specialist Warings 293106 Specialist Roland Robinsons & Fentons 621432

Specialist Whitworth Green 294582 Gen+c/w Blackpool Welfare Rights 477770
Specialist W H Darbyshire 346646

More local telephone numbers on the next page!

 Dates For
Useful Local Your
Diaries
Contact Numbers 2009
Date Event
• Addaction……………………………………..752059
• Addiction and Dependency Solutions….. 752100
19th Spring
• Age Concern - Blackpool & District ……. 751747
February Conference
• Blackpool Care & Repair…………………..651555
2009
• Blackpool Advocacy……………………….. 405959
• Blackpool Carers Centre…………………. 393748 9th, 10th & Advice
• Blackpool Citizens Advice Bureau ………308400 11th March Week 2009
• Blackpool Council Customer First………. 477477 2009
• Blackpool Housing Advice……………….. 477760
• Blackpool PCT………………………………. 651200 Please note that:
• Blackpool Welfare Rights…………………. 477770 Benefit News has been de-
• Children & Young Peoples Dept…………. 477668 layed to January.
• Connexions.……...………………………….. 754840
• Disability Benefit Enquiry Line…….0800 882 200
• Disability Information & Support..………. 472202 The above details are
subject to change. Please
• Drugline Lancashire / Shiver Project…... 311431
contact the Advice Link team
• Education Benefits…………………………. 478931
for confirmation of dates and
• Families Information Service…….0800 092 2332 venues.
• Food Safety………………………………….. 478322
• Fylde Coast Women’s Aid……………...… 596699
• Housing / Council Tax Benefit………….… 478847
• HM Revenues & Customs…………0845 3021478
• Jobcentre Plus (working age benefits)
………………………………………….0800 055 6688
• Mental Health Helpline……………….0500 639000
• Patient Advice & Liaison Service……..… 655588
• Pension Credit.………………………..0800 991234
• Pension Service……………………..0845 6060265
Positive Steps Into Work…………..0800 073 2007
•
• Progress Recruitment………………..…… 477287
From the Advice Link
• Service Personnel & Veterans Agency Team!
………………………………………….0800 1692277
• Shaw Trust Employment ………….01772 761210
• Shelter helpline……………………..0808 8004444 See you in
• Social Services Direct………….………… 477592 2009!
• Streetlife ………..…………………………... 294477
• Tax Credit Helpline …………………0845 3003900
• Tax Help for Older People………..0845 601 3321
• Trading Standards…………………………. 478375
• Veterans Welfare Service………….01772 237991
• Vitaline…………………………………..…… 477678
• Volunteer Centre…………………………... 301004

Next issue of Advice Link News is due March 2009

If you would like to contribute an article or advertise an event
please send details to advicelink@blackpool.gov.uk by 28 February 2009