Open door event to offer advice and support for people suffering debt

People who would like guidance over benefits and help about debt issues, are being invited to an ‘open door’ event in Llanelli.

The event, being held at Lakefield Hall, Lakefield Road, Llanelli, on Monday, October 19, will offer support to anyone who wants access to information to ease them through financial hardship.

It has been organised by Tyisha and Glanymor Communities First, an Assembly-funded organisation which is overseen by Carmarthenshire County Council.
It forms part of the organisation’s commitment to creating a network of support for those suffering with debt problems, helping them to access benefits and providing them with opportunities to train for new skills.

The Communities First Debt and Benefit Support Service will be joined by over 20 service providers offering advice at the event.

They include the council’s Housing and Council Tax Benefit Visiting Team and colleagues from Trading Standards; Welsh Water Re-start Scheme which will offer water arrears support; Christians Against Poverty, HMRC, Catch-up, Citizens Advice Bureau, Llanelli Communities First Debt and Benefit Support Service and Shelter Cymru.

Those wanting help to find work can seek advice from Llanelli Job Centre Plus, Want 2 Work, Working Links, Genesis, Job Force Wales, Careers Wales, Shaw Trust, and DACE Swansea University.

Volunteer opportunities for people wanting to boost their skills for future employment opportunities can speak to officers from the Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services and Prime Cymru, who offer opportunities for those aged 50+.

Communities First volunteers, who have been trained to offer debt and benefit support, will be offering confidential benefit checks and will talk to people about their volunteer roles.

The event is being supported by Felinfoel Communities First, Llwynhendy Communities First and Bigyn 4 Communities First.

Doors will be open between 10am and 2.30pm. Free refreshments will be served.

Bryony Wiffen, Communities First volunteer development worker, said: “We understand that some people may find it difficult to seek help when they are going through financial problems, so we wanted to make this an informal event to encourage people to come along.

“Our doors will be open to anyone who wants support and advice, and our volunteers have been trained to help people identify ways of easing their financial hardships.”

Carmarthenshire County Council deputy leader Cllr Kevin Madge, who has responsibility for community wellbeing, said: “Nobody should feel that they are on their own when it comes to financial hardship. There is plenty of support and advice available to help people out of their problems.

“Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First should be commended for their work in this area, especially for training volunteers to help other people in their community to better themselves.”

For further information call Bryony or Christine on 01554 777850 or pop into the Glanymor and Tyisha office, Inkerman Street, Llanelli.