Windmill Hill Big Local Project
Support for Windmill Hill Residents
How have we helped?
In the last 12 months the Big Local funded project Citizens Advice has supported 234 clients with over 1600 issues. The main issues which we have helped with have been around debt, benefits and universal credit, issues with utilities and help with food and fuel vouchers and other charitable support.
Additional Income for Clients
⦿ Since the Windmill Hill Big Local Project began in 2016 it has helped save residents over £450,000 in debt payments.
⦿ We have also helped people to claim an additional £320,000 in extra benefits and monies which they are entitled to.
⦿ We have also helped 101 local people access financial support for food, fuel and essential items.
Case Study
Mary attended the Children’s Centre Drop in for support with checking her benefit payments were correct. Mary is a full-time career for her husband living in an RSL property. Mary told the adviser that they have been struggling due to a shortfall in their rent and also the rising cost of household bills and food.
Mary also told the adviser that she is feeling extremely tired and low. She stated that this is due to the fact that the couple are currently sleeping on a bed that is broken and old and this is resulting in lack of sleep and further discomfort along with her arthritis pain.
How did we help?
The adviser completed a full benefit check for Mary and successfully applied for a Discretionary Housing Payment and Council tax Reduction meaning that going forward the couple are £200 per month better off.
As the couple are not prepayment meter for fuel the adviser made an application to Energy Projects Plus for support with Gas and Electricity Direct Debit – awarded £100.
Application made for a grant for a new bed which was successful and CAB was able to order a bed and mattress for Mary.
Mary was very happy with the support she received
“Thank you so much, you’ve been a god send. I don’t know what I would have done otherwise”.
More feedback from clients we have helped.
“Thanks again for all your help and we sincerely hope they keep the Windmill Hill Children’s Centre Outreach open, which could be a lifeline for many people facing the same problems”.
Mr & Mrs W
“I came to Citizens Advice Halton after for help with finding work. I had started to complete my commercial pilot training on a scholarship before COVID but due to the pandemic the funding for this was pulled. My adviser was very friendly and helpful and went out of her way to help me find employment during this challenging period. Thanks to Citizens Advice Halton and especially the adviser’s drive and support, I was able to start work the following week. They helped me to get work boots and trousers so that I could start my job in a warehouse and earn money to pay for the rest of my pilot training. I am happy to say that a year on ow I have finally got a job as an airline pilot and 6 months in I’m loving it!”
Anonymous
