Directory of Advice and Support for County Durham

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Directory of Advice

and Support for

County Durham

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page

Employment

3 Food

5 Furniture

9 General

12 Health

20 Homelessness

24 Housing

27 Legal

35 Money Matters

37 Pets

50 Specific Groups

51 Utilities

63

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Employment

Scheme Name:Employability Team DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? Employment

The team provides advice to residents about getting back to work and the various programmes available in Durham

Contact Details:

Tel: 03000 266 115

Scheme Name:Family Intervention Project - ESF

Familywise programme

DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? Employment support & training for families out of work

To support families back into employment/training. To overcome barriers and sustain positive change

Contact Details:

Tel: 0800 917 2917 www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?Servi ceId=8101

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Scheme Name:Job Centres DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Employment, benefits

Form filling, general advice and low level advocacy provided for clients that are taken on as casework

Contact Details:

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Food

Scheme Name:Food banks DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Food banks / Food Co-op / Exchange of food vouchers/Free Meals

Food vouchers can be exchanged at the following food banks: Durham

North Road Methodist Church. North Rd. Durham DH1 4SG (Caretakers Cottage behind the church. Enter via the car park.) Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1.00 - 3:30pm

Chester-le-Street

The Parish Centre, Church Chare, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham DH3 3QB Monday and Wednesday 10am-12:30pm

Evangel Church, Durham Rd. Chester-le-Street DH3 3JL Friday 1pm-3:30pm

West Auckland

The Well, East Green, West Auckland Consett

Food4U, Salvation Army, Sherburn Terrace, Consett Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 303 8623 www.durhamchristianpartnership.org.uk/proje cts/durham-foodbank

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Scheme Name:Food Co-operatives DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Food

East Durham Trust runs Food Co-operatives at the following: Haswell Mencap – Thursday and Friday 11am-2pm

Shotton Community Centre – Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:30am - 2pm St Mary's Church Hall, Horden - Wednesdays 10am-12pm

Blackhall Community CentreMondays 11am-1pm

Hawthorn Community Centre – 1st and 3rd Thursday each month 11am to 2pm The Glebe Centre Murton - Every fortnight on a Thursday from 11am

Gully House, Wingate launched on Thursday 26th Jan from 10am-12pm - run fortnightly.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 5693511 www.eastdurhamtrust.org.uk/index.php?optio n=com_content&view=article&id=1157&Itemid =109

Scheme Name:Food Emergency East Durham

(FEED) Project

DCC or External Provider: External

The Food Emergency East Durham (FEED) Project will see food parcels distributed via a network of volunteers to those in crisis situations.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 5693511 www.eastdurhamtrust.org.uk/index.php?optio n=com_content&view=category&id=77&Itemid =122

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Scheme Name:Foodcycle DCC or External Provider: External

Foodcycle is a national charity which has just been set up in Durham and provides free meals for those who need it every Saturday at 6.00pm at the United Reform Church on Waddington Street, Durham City.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0207 377 8771 www.foodcycle.org.uk/

Scheme Name:Free School Meals DCC or External Provider: DCC

Children are entitled to free school meals if their families receive: • income support

• income-based Jobseekers Allowance

• an income-related employment and support allowance

• support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 • or the guarantee element of State Pension Credit.

In addition, children are entitled to free school meals if their families receive Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit except for the four week 'run-on' period after a parent has become unemployed or reduced their hours to less than 16 per week), and their gross annual income is not over £16,190 (as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs).

Nursery-age pupils only qualify for help if they receive education both before and after the lunch period.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 3834900 www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?Servi ceId=4

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Scheme Name:Housing Solutions - Fareshare DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Food parcels

Provides food parcels to those clients moving properties with the assistance from DCC Under Occupation Scheme

Contact Details:

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Furniture

Scheme Name:Chester Le Street Furniture &

Fabric Recycling Ltd

What do they help with? Furniture

Furniture recycling scheme Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 3890888 53 Stella Gill Industrial Estate, Chester Le Street, County Durham, DH2 2RH

Scheme Name:County Durham Furniture Reuse

Schemes

The charities listed below collect unwanted household items such as beds, furniture and electrical items free of charge. They then resell these items to people who are experiencing hardship or poverty. Items collected must be in good condition and sofas, chairs and beds must have the relevant fire safety labels. All electrical items must be in working order.

Contact Details:

• East Durham Partnership - 0191 586 302 • County Durham Furniture Help Scheme -

01388 721 509

• Woodhouse Close Church Furniture Project - 01388 602 935

• Consett YMCA - 01207 588 302 • Fells Furniture Scheme - 0191 371 05

www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?Servi ceId=6348

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Scheme Name:CRATE (Community Re-use & Training Enterprise)

East Durham Partnership EDF is an established charitable organisation running a project called 'Community Reuse and Training Enterprise (CRATE). Their aim is to establish a household reuse scheme within the district of Easington to enable people to participate in reuse activity, so reducing landfill and providing affordable goods to those on low income and to voluntary and charitable organisations.

The project is run as a community enterprise, providing training and employment opportunities for local unemployed people. CRATE offer a free collection service for donated goods such as furniture and appliances. There are very minimum charges for the delivery of reused furnishings.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 518 4394 / 0191 586 8493 www.eastdurhampartnership.com

Scheme Name:Furnished Tenancy Service –

Durham City Homes

The service is run in partnership with Your Homes Newcastle. Anyone who takes up a new tenancy with Durham City Homes can apply for either a part furnished or fully furnished tenancy. There is a weekly

charge for the furniture, which is added to the rent. Cost may be met by housing benefit.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 3018470 http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.asp x?ServiceId=712

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Scheme Name:The County Durham Furniture Help Scheme (CDFHS)

The County Durham Furniture Help Scheme (CDFHS) provides affordable reusable furniture,

household goods and appliances (in fact anything to make a house a home) to people in need across County Durham. For over 30 years we have run a relatively small-scale furniture help scheme by collecting unwanted reusable furniture and household goods from people who have purchased new items, people who have asked us to clear the houses of deceased family members and people who have moved and do not want to take their old things with them.

Part of our work is to help people who have been unemployed due to illness (mental or physical) as well as ex-offenders and those who, for various reasons, have been long term unemployed, to return to employment by giving them work experience and the chance to learn new skills in a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

Contact Details:

Various phone numbers on website depending on service required

http://crn.org.uk/cwnne/directory/Durham.ht ml

Scheme Name: The Store DCC or External Provider: External

The Store was set up by housing association, Derwentside Homes, in partnership with the Prince Bishops Community Bank and Social Housing Enterprise Durham SHED. It allows local people buy new furniture, electrical items and white goods, without getting into debt. The aim is to steer people away from loan sharks and other high cost borrowing options. Customers pay for their items weekly, with a proportion of each payment being deposited into a credit union account encouraging regular saving.

Contact Details:

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General

Scheme Name:AAPs DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? General, community budgets

May receive all types of enquiries for advice, signposting and support. To aid the AAP in carrying out its role, has four different types of funding, an Area Budget, a Neighbourhood Budget, a Member Initiative Fund and a Highways Budget.

Contact Details:

Various telephone contacts for different services

http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.asp x?ServiceId=6379

Scheme Name:Care Connect DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? Housing, accommodation, aids and adaptations

General advice and signposting Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Citizens Advice Bureau DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Benefits, work, debt, consumer issues, relationships, housing, law and

rights, discrimination, tax, healthcare and education

The Citizens Advice Service offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice to people on the problems they face such as debt, benefits, employment, housing etc from over 3,500 locations. These include high streets, community centres, doctors’ surgeries, courts and prisons.

Advice may be given face-to-face or by phone. Most bureaux can arrange home visits and some also provide email advice.

67 delivery sites across County Durham (including sessional outreach).Main Sites: Teesdale, Wear Valley, Sedgefield, East Durham, Durham City, Chester Le Street and Derwentside.

Contact Details:

Tel: 08444 111 444 www.adviceguide.org.uk

Scheme Name:Customer access points DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? Housing, accommodation, housing benefit, council tax benefit

Benefit Enquiries-03000 26 2000 Council Tax Enquiries-03000 26 4000

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Scheme Name:Customer services (contact centre) including Revs & Bens

What do they help with? Housing, accommodation, housing benefit, council tax benefit

Benefit Enquiries-03000 26 2000 Council Tax Enquiries-03000 26 4001

Scheme Name:Durham County Council owned

Community Centres

What do they help with? General signposting using leaflets and posters

Provide community activities ranging from keep fit, training, IT facilities, some health provision etc. Activities vary from centre to centre. Future possible potential to develop range of services in line with changing models of provision e.g. supporting community resilience.

Contact Details:

Community Buildings, Tel: 03000 263 603 or Community Building Grant Tel: 03000 263 597

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Scheme Name:Durham Information Guide (DIG)

What do they help with? Housing, accommodation, benefits, disability, money matters, health,

energy, food

Tel: 03000 265 403 www.durham.gov.uk/pages/personaliseCatego ries.aspx

Scheme Name:Durham Rural Community

Council

What do they help with? Funding advice for voluntary groups, Volunteering

Support for partnership working between voluntary and community sector(VCS) organisations across County Durham.

Signposting to support and information provided by local Councils for Voluntary Services (CVS) and volunteer centres.

A conduit for sharing information and effective communication with the VCS across County Durham. Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Durham Rural Community Council

What do they help with? General

This organisation has contacts with a database of over 800 voluntary groups and organisations in the County, many of which provide local help and signposting.

Contact Details:

Tel: 01207 529621 www.durhamrcc.org.uk

Scheme Name:Families Information Service DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? Health, education, disability, benefits, advocacy, money matters,

Online information directcory providing signposting Contact Details:

No telephone number as it's an online database http://www.countydurhamfamilies.info

Scheme Name:Leisure Centres DCC or External Provider: DCC

Facilities are able to display information leaflets and posters and staff are able to signpost any users' enquiries to the relevant teams/services for specific advice

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Libraries DCC or External Provider: DCC

May receive all types of enquiries for advice, signposting and support Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Non Durham County Council

owned Community Centres

What do they help with? Community activities

Provide community activities ranging from keep fit, training, IT facilities, etc. Services vary from centre to centre. Future possible potential to develop range of services in line with changing models of provision e.g. supporting community resilience. DRCC, can provide information and contact details for community buildings across the county and hold a database of all these buildings and can refer to local centres if asked.

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Scheme Name:One Point – Services for Children, Young People and Families

What do they help with? Young people, families

One Point Service provides a focal point for children, young people and their families, with wider health and wellbeing needs all "under one roof".

The service includes health visiting, school nursing, education welfare, behaviour support, educational psychology, personal advice, youth work, family support, anti-bullying and personal support.

Contact Details:

Tel: 03000 261111 http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.asp x?ServiceId=8613

Scheme Name:Social Care Direct DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with?

Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Social Services buildings e.g.

Priory House, Hopper House

What do they help with? Health, disability, money matters

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Scheme Name:Welfare Rights Service DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? General, housing, benefits, council tax benefit, specialised social security

benefits, casework and representation

The Welfare Rights Service can help with questions and problems on a wide range of social security benefit and tax credit issues. The Service can:

• give information on benefit entitlement and how to claim • check that the right amount of benefit is being received • advise on what will happen if circumstances change • advise on how to appeal against a decision.

The Service can also take on a case if a social care service and provide representation, for example at an appeal tribunal.

Contact Details:

Public Advice Line 0191 3708787 www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?Servi ceId=189

Scheme Name:Citizen Advice Bureau - Public

Health Contract

What do they help with? Health

This service will be targeted at people living in County Durham with a health condition referred by any health professional working in a primary/community care setting.

The service aims to help to narrow the gap in health inequalities by maximising income. It will provide an advice, assistance, and representation service to people with a health condition struggling with for example, low income or debt issues and referred to it by a range of NHS staff working in primary care services. By appointment 22 sessions per year: During standard office hours.

Contact Details:

Tel: 020 7833 2181 (admin only no advice available on this number)

East Durham, 6 sessions. • Durham city, 1 session • Sedgefield, 5 sessions. • Derwentside, 3 sessions. • Wear Valley, 5 sessions. • Chester-le-Street, 1 session • Teesdale, 1 session

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Health

Scheme Name:County Durham Drug and

Alcohol Team

Provide help and support for persons with addictions to alcohol Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 383 7800

www.talktofrank.com/treatment- centre/county-durham-drug-alcohol-action-team

Scheme Name:County Durham Drugs Service DCC or External Provider: External

Provide help and support for persons with additions to dugs Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 587 2194 www.disc-vol.org.uk/services/county-durham-drugs-service

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Scheme Name:DCC Adaptations DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? Provision of Community Equipment and Minor Adaptations

Local authorities provide community equipment and minor adaptations costing less than £1,000 such as grab rails, blocks to make beds higher and raised toilet and bath seats, as part of

intermediate care or services provided under the Mental Health Act as aftercare. Contact Details:

Durham City Homes Tel: 0191 301 8470 / 0800 068 0013 (Available 24/7) or Social Care Direct Tel: 0845 850 5010

Scheme Name:Durham Rural Community

Council

This organisation provides Health Trainers and health advice in various centres around the County, which include access to healthy eating cookery courses for people on low budgets.

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Macmillan Cancer Support DCC or External Provider: External

Macmillan Cancer Support provides both practical and emotional support, including advice and information on health, benefits, tax credits, finances, grants and loans.

Macmillan grants are available for adults, young people or children with cancer, to cover a wide range of practical needs, such as heating bills, extra clothing, or a much needed break.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0808 8080000 www.macmillan.org.uk

Scheme Name:Pioneering Care Partnership DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Mental health, health

The Pioneering Care Partnership is a local charity whose aim is to improve people’s health and wellbeing. The charity is responsible for running the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe and a number of outreach projects in local communities across County Durham, Darlington and beyond. Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Real Lives=Real People DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Advocacy, benefits, disability

Real Lives= Real Choices provides advocacy and rights based support for adults with learning disabilities.

Contact Details:

Tel: 01642 608 700 http://www.reallifeoptions.org/

Scheme Name:Waddington Centre DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Mental health

The Waddington Street Centre offers support and opportunities to people in the North Durham area who experience enduring mental health problems. We provide a wide range of quality services, including educational courses, within a welcoming environment.

Waddington Street Centre is an independent, voluntary sector organisation where service users, volunteers and staff work closely together to improve the quality of people's lives, support recovery and self-development and make care in the community a reality.

Contact Details:

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Homelessness

Scheme Name:DASH - Durham Action on Single

Housing

What do they help with? Housing, accommodation

Durham Action on Single Housing is an independent charity that provides accommodation with support to people who are homeless or are about to become homeless.

It currently house 43 people on short, medium or longer term agreements and its aim is to provide a supportive and stable environment to give people the best chance of addressing the problems that caused their homelessness and thus an opportunity of moving forward into independence. Some of the most prevalent reasons for homelessness being; young inexperienced people on their own for the first time, people with mental health problems or learning difficulties, people with substance misuse or alcohol problems, people excluded from mainstream housing because of an offending history, relationship breakdowns.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 3845073 www.dashorg.co.uk

Scheme Name:Housing Solutions - HTASS DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Housing affordability, income, tenancy support, temp accommodation

Holistic Temporary Accommodation and Support Service (HTASS) is to provide a flexible person centred accommodation and support service that meets the authority’s temporary accommodation duties under the homeless legislation and provides added value which addresses the broader needs of the client to prevent future homelessness, maximise life opportunities, reduce social isolation and exclusion and promote improved health and wellbeing. The following services are delivered via the Holistic Temporary Accommodation and Support Services by Stonham.

Temporary Accommodation & Support Joint Protocol for 16/17 years olds

Crash Pads, including provision for care leavers Private Sector accommodation development

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Housing Solutions - No Second Night Out - Ace Pilot

What do they help with? Emergency temp accommodation, rough sleepers

The Durham ACE Team will work alongside The Fells which is a Direct Access Hostel provision for homeless people run and managed by the Cyrenians. The Fells will provide a base for the team, management support and offer emergency accommodation to those rough sleepers engaged by the ACE Team. This is to ensure a rapid response to housing needs can be achieved. Once placed into emergency accommodation the client will be assessed further for wider support needs and move on options. Clients can remain in the emergency bed for up to 48 hours.

Contact Details:

Tel: 03000 260 000 http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.asp x?ServiceId=112

Scheme Name:Nightstop North East DCC or External Provider: External

The Nightstop scheme provides emergency accommodation in the homes of local volunteers for young people aged 16-25 on a night by night basis. The scheme has volunteers across the North East and each volunteer provides a private bedroom, an evening meal and breakfast, washing facilities and toiletries. Nightstop staff assist the young person to find a longer term solution to their housing need and to address any other issues they may have. This could involve referring a young person to housing providers and specialist services, as well as providing day to day support whilst they are using the service. Young people can also be assisted to return home if appropriate.

The service in Durham County will accommodate, in addition to 16-25 year olds, those over 25 who are vulnerable.

Referrals for the County Durham Service are made directly to: Jackie Hall on 07850515204 or jackie.hall@depauluk.org. Durham Nightstop is funded by Durham County Council.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 2536161

www.depaulnightstopuk.org/nightstop- network/map-of-nightstop-services/north-east-nightstop/

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Scheme Name:Shelter North East DCC or External Provider: External

Shelter is a charity that works to alleviate the distress caused by homelessness and bad housing. Shelter North East provides free, independent and confidential advice, advocacy and representation at court on most housing issues, including rent arrears, mortgage arrears, evictions and

repossessions, disrepair issues, problems with landlords, advice on rights if homeless, housing options advice including assistance if excluded from the housing register or served a notice of eviction, advice if suffering domestic violence and getting rent deposit back.

Contact Details:

Tel 0344 5151601 www.shelter.org.uk

Scheme Name:Stonham Supported Housing DCC or External Provider: External

Stonham, a division of the Home Group, specialises in providing housing and or support to many different client groups and individuals in the County for example:

• young people leaving care, single homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers • people with mental health problems

• people with learning disabilities or physical disabilities • people who have been in prison or through the courts • people with drug and/or alcohol dependency problems • Women and children who are escaping domestic violence • Teenage parents

• Older people

Contact Details:

Tel: 0345 141 4663 www.homegroup.org.uk/careandsupport/ston hamservices/pages/stonhamservices.aspx

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Housing

Scheme Name:County Court Housing Advice

and Representation Scheme

What do they help with? Housing and accommodation

County court housing advice and representation schemes aim to provide free, independent and confidential advice and representation to homeowners and tenants attending hearings in possession proceedings brought on grounds of arrears.

Advice and representation is available to people who either have not previously obtained advice and/or are without legal representation.

Contact Details:

Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Telephone contacts as above

Scheme Name:County Court Housing Advice

and Representation Scheme

What do they help with? Legal matters

County court housing advice and representation schemes aim to provide free, independent and confidential advice and representation to homeowners and tenants attending hearings in possession proceedings brought on grounds of arrears. Advice and representation is available to people who either have not previously obtained advice and/or are without legal representation.

Contact Details:

Durham City Homes, Tel:0191 301 8470 / 0800 068 0013, East Durham Homes Tel: 0800 032 0835, Dale and Valley Homes Tel: 0800 0830333 (Freephone)/0300 2000194

www.durham.gov.uk/pages/Service.aspx?Servi ceId=110

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Scheme Name:Durham Housing Solutions DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? Housing, accommodation, benefits

Advice on housing and accommodation issues, general benefits advice Contact Details:

Tel: 03000 260 000 or Housing solution surgeries are also available on Fridays. Call 03000 260 801 for details. http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/ContentPag e.aspx?DCCId=c5d834aa-5d4d-4886-ba3a-5b00407bc55d and http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.asp x?ServiceId=8033

Scheme Name:Durham Key Options DCC or External Provider: DCC

Advice on housing and accommodation Contact Details:

Tel: 0845 2701603 www.durhamkeyoptions.co.uk/Data/ASPPages /1/52.aspx

Scheme Name:Family Intervention Project DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? Housing

To tackle anti social behaviour, issues with drugs, alcohol, poor health, domestic violence unemployment and debt. Preventing homelessness, enabling families to sustain tenancies Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Helping Hand Initiative DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? Homeowner financial assistance, advice and practical support is available

through

Durham County Council, together with the local 'Home Improvement Agency' can help homeowners through the Helping Hand North East Initiative to:

 Identify what is wrong with their home, and what is needed to put it right

 Understand how to carry out home maintenance, preventative and improvement works or access the local ‘Handy Person’ Service where this exists and you are eligible for help;

 Work out what the work may cost if a contractor is required, and to investigate the options for funding the work, this may include help to consider charitable or family funding, use of insurance cover, or how an Independent Financial Advisor may be able to help;

 Choose a suitable contractor and to get fair estimates for the work, and to manage the contractor while works are being carried out.

 Decide whether staying put or moving home offers the better solution

Contact Details:

Scheme Name: Housing Regen Team DCC or External Provider: DCC

The team works with tenants and landlords in the private rented sector Contact Details:

Eastern Locality Tel: 03000 262 021, Northern Locality Tel: 03000 265 266, Southern Locality Tel: 03000 261 080

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Scheme Name:Housing solutions - County Court Duty Scheme

What do they help with? Legal advice

Court Duty Housing Schemes provide free, at-court advice for clients who haven’t already sought specialist legal advice on their impending rent or mortgage possession action.

Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Housing Solutions - Step

Forward

What do they help with? Housing, affordability, income, social exclusion

Step Forward Support Service is to provide a flexible person centred step down accommodation and support service that identifies and assesses the accommodation and support needs of customers ready to move-on from supported housing and those in need of accommodation and support but who do not meet the qualifying criteria for supported housing. Provides added value which addresses the broader needs of the client to prevent future homelessness, maximise life

opportunities, reduce social isolation and exclusion and promote improved health and wellbeing. Contact Details:

Tel: 03000 260 000 http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/ContentPag e.aspx?DCCId=c5d834aa-5d4d-4886-ba3a-5b00407bc55d

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Scheme Name:Housing Solutions - Under Occupation Scheme

To assist older tenants in finding a more suitable and affordable housing. Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Housing Solutions -Gateway DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Housing, affordability, income

These services include floating support (support in around a clients home), accommodation services and social support (for community activities and social inclusion)

Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Social housing providers -

Cestria Community Housing

Tel: 0191 3851900 www.cestria.org/ContactUs/tabid/68/Default.a spx

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Scheme Name:Social housing providers - Dale & Valley Homes

Tel: 0800 0830333 www.daleandvalleyhomes.co.uk

Derwentisde Homes

Tel:0800 783 9295 www.derwentsidehomes.co.uk/contact--us

Durham City Homes

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Scheme Name:Social housing providers - East Durham Homes

Tel: 0800 0320835 www.eastdurhamhomes.co.uk/

Scheme Name:Social housing providers - Livin DCC or External Provider: External

Tel: 0800 5875438 www.livin.co.uk

Teesdale Housing Assocation

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Scheme Name:Social housing providers - Three Rivers Housing Association

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Legal

Scheme Name:Community Legal Advice DCC or External Provider: External

Community Legal Advice is a free confidential advice in England and Wales paid for by legal advice on issues including benefits, tax credits, debt, education, housing, employment and family problems. Contact Details:

Tel: 0845 3454345 https://www.gov.uk/legal-aid/how-to-claim

Scheme Name:DAWN Advice Ltd DCC or External Provider: External

DAWN Advice is an independent charity which provides free, independent and impartial advice on a range of legal issues including debt, housing, employment, welfare benefits and family law. It offers representation to clients across the North East of England who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. DAWN is also a member of Citizens Advice.

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Law Centres DCC or External Provider: External

Law Centres are not-for-profit legal practices providing free legal advice and representation to disadvantaged people. They employ solicitors and specialists in areas of ‘social welfare’ law to help individuals and communities. There is a Law Centre in Newcastle.

Contact Details:

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Money Matters

Scheme Name:Cestria Credit Union Ltd DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Financial matters, saving schemes, low interest loans and life insurance

Cestria Credit Union Ltd is a non profit making co operative run by local people for local people. It provides saving accounts and low cost loans and serves Birtley, Lamesley, Kibblesworth, Chester-le Street and surrounding villages.

Contact Details:

Tel:0191 4922777 www.cestriacu.org.uk

Scheme Name:Christians Against Poverty DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Financial support

Provide financial assistance for crisis and debt consolidation Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:County Durham - School Benevolent Fund

What do they help with? Financial assistance with school clothing and shoes

The School Benevolent Fund provides a grant of £35 to pay for either a winter coat or a pair of shoes for a child. The grant is subject to financial criteria which is benefit based and can be accessed twice in the individual child's school life, Primary & Secondary education only. It is administered by Durham County Council.

Contact Details:

Scheme Name: County Durham Community

Foundation (CDCF)

What do they help with? Financial support, grants

County Durham Community Foundation provides grants that make a genuine difference to the lives of local people. It manages charitable funds donated by local individuals, families, businesses and trusts. The Foundation supports both groups and individuals / families in County Durham and Darlington. This may be to support a family in crisis, provide a respite break for a full-time carer, or the means for a talented individual to achieve their full potential. There are a number of funds that support individuals and each grant really can make a life-changing difference.

Surviving Winter Appeal for Individuals (Altogether Healthier)

This fund, administered by CDCF, provides funding to individuals over the age of 18 who have a low household income and are considered to be in fuel poverty.

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:DCC Hardship Relief DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? Financial assistance with Council tax

Durham County Council has the power to reduce or remit council tax where it is considered that hardship would otherwise be caused. All applications must be made in writing from the council tax payer, their advocate/appointee or recognised third party acting on their behalf, using the relevant form and contain the necessary information.

Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Debt Advice Foundation DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Money Matters - managing debt, finances

The Debt Advice Foundation is a registered national debt advice and education charity offering free, confidential support and advice to anyone worried about loans, credit and debt. It provides advice on a range of debt solutions including Bankruptcy, Debt Relief Orders, Free Debt Management Plans, IVAs, Trust Deeds, LILAs, Debt Arrangement Scheme, Administration Orders and Debt Consolidation. Contact Details:

Tel: 0800 0434050 www.debtadvicefoundation.org

Scheme Name: Debt Support Trust DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Money Matters - managing debt, finances

The Debt Support Trust is a not for profit national advice charity with trained debt advisors who offer advice on suitable debt solutions.

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)

Grant payments to help with short term housing costs Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Durham County Council –

Housing solutions - Homelessness Prevention Fund

The aim of the Prevention Fund is to reduce and prevent Homelessness across the County by providing innovative solutions to homelessness and the threat of homelessness and funding continues to be allocated to specific cases by our dedicated Housing Solutions Officers. Contact Details:

Tel: 03000 260 000 or Housing solution surgeries are also available on Fridays. Call 03000 260 801 for details.

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Scheme Name:Durham County Council - Housing Solutions Mortgage Rescue Scheme

The Mortgage Rescue Scheme is a government initiative scheme. It is a targeted and specific homeless prevention tool for vulnerable households. It is intended to provide an additional safety net for vulnerable households who are at risk of losing their home through repossession. Eligibility criteria will be assessed by a Housing Solutions Officer.

Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Durham County Council –

Housing Solutions – Possession and Repossession Loan Fund

What do they help with? Financial support, loans

The fund is to help people keep their home who for short term reasons find their current accommodation unaffordable. Loans are available from £1,000 - £5,000 and are repaid to the Council on an interest free basis over a period of time. The loan will be secured against the

customers property. This will ensure that if the property is sold in the future, the Council is able to have the money owed repaid.

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Durham County Council - Housing Solutions Bond Guarantee Scheme

The Bond Guarantee Scheme has been developed to help people on benefits or low incomes to access the private rented sector in County Durham. The Bond Guarantee Scheme offers an agreement to the landlord to cover losses up to the amount guaranteed for the first 6 months of your tenancy. The Bond secured will be up to a maximum of £400.00 however, this limit is flexible. Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Durham County Credit Union Ltd DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Financial matters - Saving schemes, low interest loans and life insurance

Durham County Credit Union Ltd is a savings and loans co-operative owned and run by its members. It offers its members low cost fixed rate loans and free life insurance on savings and loans. It is regulated by Financial Service Authority. Anyone over the age of 16 who lives or works (includes voluntary work) in County Durham can join Durham County Credit Union.

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Durham Money Advice Centre DCC or External Provider: DCC?

What do they help with? Money matters, debt

Intensive support and casework in relation to debt and money advice. Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 375 0148 http://communitymoneyadvice.com/node/180

Scheme Name:Financial Assessment Teams DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Benefits

Housing providers have specific advisors who can carry out benefit checks and assist with claims. Contact Details:

Livin Tel: 0800 587 4538, Derwentside Homes Tel: 0800 783 9295, Dale and Valley Homes Tel: 0800 083 0333, East Durham Homes Tel: 0191 518 5497, Durham City Homes Tel: 0191 301 8470 / 0800 068 0013

Cestria Tel: 0191 385 1900, Teesdale Tel: 01833 694400, 3

Livin

Derwentside Homes Dale and Valley Homes East Durham Homes Durham City Homes Cestria

Teesdale Accent 3 Rivers Home Group

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Scheme Name:Greggs Foundation Hardship Grant Programme

What do they help with? General living expenses

The Hardship Fund offers grants of up to £150 to be paid through recognised social organisations including charities, social companies, social services, schools and health services. The grants are used to purchase individual items that can make a huge difference to family life.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 2127626 www.greggsfoundation.org.uk/north-east-grants/hardship-fund

Scheme Name:Housing Solutions - On site Debt

Worker

What do they help with? financial support

To provide specialist advice to include financial assessments and eligibility test for those applying to the Mortgage Rescue Scheme and Repossession Loan fund

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Housing Solutions - Welfare Rights Officer

What do they help with? Financial support, benefit maximisation, client advocacy

Welfare Rights will provide advice and information and representation to residents of County Durham who are homeless, threatened with homelessness, or in housing need about benefits and taking up those benefits.

Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Housing Solutions Enhanced

Housing solutions

What do they help with? Housing, accommodation, furniture, clothes, food etc

Grants to help with general living expenses Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Money Advice Service DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Money matters, managing debt, finances

The Money Advice Service provides unbiased money advice. The website hosts an online financial health check. Free printed guides are available on the following: Basic bank accounts, Borrowing money, Credit cards, Credit unions, Getting financial advice, Help with managing money, Insurance, Making the most of your money, Making your budget work for you, Proving your identity, Saving and investing and Your bank account.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0300 5005000 www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Scheme Name: National Debtline DCC or External Provider: External

A national telephone helpline for people with debt problems. The service is free, confidential and independent. The specialist advice can be backed up with written self help materials which can be sent out free

Contact Details:

Tel: 0808 8080000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/a bout_us.php

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Scheme Name:Payplan DCC or External Provider: External

Payplan offers comprehensive advice, guidance and support for anyone struggling with debt. It provides free debt solutions for loans and credit cards, debt advice fro repossessions and mortgage arrears and help with budgeting.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0800 2802816 or 0207 7608980 www.payplan.com/

Scheme Name:Prince Bishops Community Bank DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Financial matters, saving schemes, low interest loans and life insurance

Prince Bishops Community Bank is a savings and loans community bank owned and run by its members. It provides free life insurance and loan protection insurance to our members. All monies are easily accessible and protected by The Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Contact Details:

Tel: 01207 232351 or 08456 838669 www.princebishopscommunitybank.org.uk

Scheme Name:StepChange Debt Charity DCC or External Provider: External

Previously known as the Consumer Credit Counselling Service, the StepChange Debt Charity provides practical help on problem debt to clients across the UK.

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:TaxAid DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Money matters, managing debt, finances and taxation

TaxAid is a charity that helps people on low incomes with their tax affairs. It helps people on low incomes who cannot afford to pay for professional advice, to understand the parts of the tax system that apply to them, pay only the right amount of tax and help them resolve crises when things go wrong. TaxAid runs a national helpline, and provides face-to-face advice. Nearest office is at Newcastle.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0345 1203779 www.taxaid.org.uk

Scheme Name: Turn2us.org.uk DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Benefits, money matters, managing debt, finances and taxation

Turn2us.org.uk is a charitable service which helps people access the money available to them – through welfare benefits, grants and other help. Its website has been designed to help people find appropriate sources of financial support, quickly and easily, based on their particular needs and circumstances. Turn2us is part of Elizabeth Finn Care.

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Welfare Rights Supporting People emergency fund

What do they help with? Money matters, funds

Contact Details:

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Pets

Scheme Name:PDSA DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Pets and animals

PDSA Vet Care services are available to pet owners who receive either Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, and live within a defined catchment area around each PDSA PetAid hospital or practice. Contact Details:

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Specific Groups

Scheme Name:Coal Industry Social Welfare

Organisation

What do they help with? Advice and support for employees and former employees of the coal

mining industry

Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation is a national charity which aims to promote the health, relief of poverty and hardship and the advancement of education (including social and physical training activities) and any other charitable purpose for the benefit of all the employees and former employees of the coal mining industry in the United Kingdom and of their relatives and dependants and of the communities in which they live.

Its social work teams offer advice and practical assistance to any member of a coalfield community who would like help with any health related, financial or other personal or emotional issues. An important area of work is maintenance of facilities around the country for recuperative breaks. The Sam Watson Rest House at Richmond offers breaks for the wives and widows of mineworkers.

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:County Durham Age UK DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Advice from basic to advocacy for older people

Age UK County Durham aims to address the causes of difficulties faced by older people and to provide help and support where needed. It has 4 locality offices around the county at Durham City, Stanley. Easington and Chilton.

The Locality Development Workers based at our offices work both alone and in partnership with others to deliver a wide range of services at local level. These services currently include:

• Information and advice.

• Support to Local Age UK Groups and other older people's groups. • Assisting with the setting up of lunch clubs and activity groups.

• Health promotion, Ageing Well and lifelong learning initiatives. Community Safety Days. • Keep Warm Keep Well Campaign & Energy days.

• Promotion of the Recall & Reminiscence Service (ReACT).

• Promotion of insurance services including the provision of insurance surgeries.

• Volunteering Programme to include pro-active recruitment including talks to pre retirement groups, church groups etc, support, training and maintenance of volunteer support network. • User/Carer Consultation Programme seeking the views of older people.

• Representing Age UK County Durham & the needs of older people at strategic planning forums. • Taking part in designated national campaigns - Age UK Week, Volunteers Week & Your Rights Week etc.

• Promotion of local services/activities/organisation through the media

Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 3863856 www.ageconcern-durham.org.uk

Scheme Name:DCC Hardship Fund DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? Financial support, Learning difficulties, mental health

Most full-time students cannot get Housing and Council Tax Benefit because the Government expects them to use other money like their student loan or hardship fund payments (access-to-learning fund payments) to pay their rent and council tax. Check out website for more information Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Domestic Violence Team DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? Health, housing and accommodation

Provide help and support for victims of domestic violence Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Durham County Carers Support DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Provides support to County Durham unpaid carers

Durham County Carers Support is an independent charitable organisation offering local, confidential support services such as one-to-one support, home visits, advocacy, training, social events, support groups, benefit checks and carers breaks.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0300 005 1213 (low cost calls) or text 07624 818 403

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Scheme Name:Family Fund DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? Low income families looking after a severely disabled child

The Family Fund is a registered charity that helps low-income families who look after a severely disabled child aged 17 or under. The Family Fund is backed by the government and can provide grants for things like:

• family holidays • computers

• driving lessons for parent carers

• washing machines to help with extra washing needs • hospital visiting costs

Family Fund grants are discretionary. The fund has a fixed annual budget and you're not

automatically entitled to help. You will not get a grant from the fund if a statutory agency (such as a local authority) is responsible for helping with the item you need.

Contact Details:

Tel: 08449 744 099 www.familyfund.org.uk/grants/who-we-help

Scheme Name: Financial Assessment Team -

Financial Services CAS

What do they help with? Benefits

Assistance with benefit applications for CAS service users who receive a chargeable service. Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Housing Solutions - Clasp DCC or External Provider: DCC

What do they help with? Care leavers

Multi agency network and joint working agreements for the accommodation and support of care leavers

Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Housing Solutions - Dedicated

PPO Officer

DCC or External Provider: Joint

What do they help with? Prolific offending behaviour, prison leavers, housing

working in partnership with the Offender Management unit to assist persistent offenders into housing and offer support to sustain tenancy and looking at additional needs to promote a healthier lifestyle

Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Housing Solutions - Hospital

Discharge

What do they help with? Leaving hospital without accommodation

The County Durham Hospital Discharge Protocol aims to ensure that people leaving hospital have suitable accommodation to return to. It establishes a multi-agency partnership and outlines what each partner will do to achieve this aim.

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Housing Solutions - Joint Protocol

What do they help with? Lifeskills, employment, budgeting, training, relationship breakdown

The service is for young people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness and are 16 and 17 years old. A multi agency network creating a wrap around service to young people

Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Housing Solutions - Lifewise DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Independent Living

The programme offers young people the opportunity to gain qualifications in accredited modules and is aimed at delivering skills to 16 to 25yr olds to live independently

Contact Details:

Scheme Name:Housing Solutions - Moving On

Housing Advisor

What do they help with? Housing- Training/lifeskills

To assist with housing advice & provide support to 16 to 25 yr olds. Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Improving Progression of Young People

What do they help with? Education, employment and training for young people, plus young

peoples' health and social issues.

Comprehensive resource for young people aged 13-19 across County Durham, providing clear and helpful information on everything from jobs, training and education, to money and life, access to vacancies, volunteering opportunities and leisure activities. "Contact an Adviser" facility to access personal information, advice and support.

Contact Details:

Tel: 01325 375984 www.help4teens.co.uk

Scheme Name:Improving progression of Young

People Careers Events(in collaboration with partners/One Point)

DCC or External Provider: DCC/External

What do they help with? Education, employment and training for young people, Raising

Participation Age, post 16 and Higher Education opportunities

Range of events to inform and advise young people, parents and others of opportunities post 16 (e.g.careers events, HE convention).

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Monkey DCC or External Provider:

What do they help with? Housing, accomodation, benefits, money matters, budgeting

Monkey is a Big Lottery Funded project setup to offer free money support to young and first-time social housing tenants across County Durham. Led by homes and communities organisation, livin, in partnership with 15 other companies Monkey aims to support 20,000 beneficiaries over the next five years with support to help tenants to sustain their housing tenancy.

This includes help with obtaining and setting up bank and saving accounts, debt management, household incomes and budgeting as well as sourcing the best deals on affordable furniture and fuel solutions and low interest, affordable finance.

Contact Details:

Online Registration https://secure.livin.co.uk/monkey/pages/abou t

Scheme Name:Moving on DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Housing, accommodation, homelessness

Moving On works with 16 -25 year olds living in County Durham who face homelessness or housing difficulty and need support to live independently. Information, Advice & Guidance, Employment & Training Support, Counselling, Pre-Tenancy Support, Floating (Tenancy) Support, 'MO's Army' Tenancy Survival Group, Lifeskills, Peer Education. Sports Group, Starter Packs, Free laundry service.

Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:Seafarer Support DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Advice and support for serving and former Royal Navy, Royal Marines,

Merchant Navy and fishermen and their families

Seafarer Support is a free helpline that can refer serving and former (Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Merchant Navy and fishermen) and their families as well as people who work to improve the lives of seafarers and their families in touch with an organisation that can advise on:

• Debt and money management • Entitlement to state benefits • Bringing up young families

• Residential or nursing care, sheltered and independent housing in a number of locations in the UK

• Help with the costs of disability aids and home adaptations,

• Grants to help with everyday essentials such as furniture, cookers, washing machines etc • Regular grants for those whose income and savings are below certain levels

• Grants towards the costs of raising children for those who have lost a parent or are experiencing hardship.

• These can include day-to-day needs, disabilities, educational costs, or seaside holidays

Contact Details:

Tel: 0800 1214765 www.seafarersupport.org/self-help

Scheme Name:Section 17 funding DCC or External Provider: DCC

to help with the housing costs of children and young people leaving care Contact Details:

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Scheme Name:SHAID – Single Homeless Action Initiative in Derwentside

SHAID is a small local charity established in 1993 as a response to youth homelessness in Derwentside. It provides a range of housing advice, support and related services to help young people make the difficult transition to living independently in the community.

Contact Details:

Tel: 01207 218 850 www.shaid.org.uk/

Scheme Name:sort stuff out DCC or External Provider: DCC and External

A facebook page has been created to help young people to find the information and support they need such a useful organisations.

Contact Details:

Various telephone contacts for different services

www.facebook.com/sortstuffout/app_1451581 45600766

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Scheme Name:Supporting people funded services (multiple)

DCC or External Provider: DCC?

What do they help with? Benefits, money matters, debt, budgeting

Primarily housing related support services that support people to live independently in their own accommodation. The nature of support to each service user is linked to their assessed needs but will typically overlap with lower level I&A services and include support to claim the right welfare

benefits, deal with debt and budget Contact Details:

Regional Manager Christine Spooner on 07799 706563

homeless.org.uk/supporting-people

Scheme Name:Sure Start Children’s Centres DCC or External Provider: DCC

Sure Start Children’s Centres provide: • Early education integrated with childcare. • Health services (including antenatal care).

• Family support (including support for parents for children with special needs). • Links with JobCentre Plus and other training providers.

• A base for childminders who belong to a formal network.

• Links with Families Information Service, Neighbourhood Nurseries, Out of School Clubs and Extended Schools.

• Management and workforce training.

Contact Details:

Tel: 0191 3725443 www.surestartcountydurham.org/Pages/Wher eAreTheChildrensCentres.aspx

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Scheme Name:T.O.P. TaxHelp for Older People DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Money matters, managing debt, finances and taxation

TaxHelp for Older People is a service originally provided through the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (associated with the Chartered Institute of Taxation) but is now provided by Tax Volunteers, an independent organisation, to make free professional advice on personal tax available to older people who could not otherwise afford to pay for it.

Contact Details:

Helpline: 08456013321 or 01308 488066 www.taxvol.org.uk

Scheme Name:The Royal British Legion DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Advice, support and care for serving members of the Armed Forces,

veterans and their families

The Royal British Legion provide practical care, advice and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families. It provides compensation advice, benefits and money advice, immediate needs grants to meet unexpected expenses, free handyperson service and many more services.

Contact Details:

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Utilities

Scheme Name:British Gas Energy Trust DCC or External Provider: External

What do they help with? Energy

The British Gas Energy Trust is a registered charity, operating since 2004, to help individuals and families in poverty, suffering or other distress who are struggling to pay their gas and/or electricity debts. Applications to the Trust are welcomed from anyone living within England, Scotland or Wales. The Trust helps by giving grants to:

• Clear gas and electricity debts.

• Clear other priority household debts or purchase essential household items. These payments are known as Further Assistance Payments (FAPs).

The aim of the Trust is to give vulnerable individuals and families a fresh start and enable them to remain debt free. In addition, the Trust operates an Organisational Grant Programme offering grants to charitable advice agencies to increase money advice / fuel debt prevention services available in communities, including the practical support of applying to the British Gas Energy Trust, if appropriate.

Contact Details:

Directory of Advice and Support for County Durham