Universally Ready to lend a helping hand
Financial advice for those struggling with new payment
People in Cornton struggling with the change to Universal Credit now have a new source of advice.
Universally Ready aims to help with the switch by providing one-to-one support from trained advisers and volunteers.
Advice on social security, employment, housing and a whole range of other subjects will also be offered.
ACE Cornton and Stirling District Citizens Advice Bureau have lanched the initiative with the help of funding from Lloyds TSB Foundation – Henry Duncan Awards and also construction company ESH .
It is hoped CAB advice, through the outreach surgeries, will assist disadvantaged and isolated people and help them make better and more informed decisions about welfare options.
Advice available will include help up to and including an appearance at a social security tribunal.
Bureau manager Craig Anderson said “It can be very difficult for people to access support due to transport, social or health challenges, so I am sure the service will be welcomed and used by many people in the Cornton area to help resolve problems.”
Development manager at ACE Cornton Ann-Marie O’Hare said: “With the many challenges faced by individuals due to Welfare Reform and the recent introduction of Universal Credit, delivery of an outreach service which provides support and assistance to individuals within their own community is crucial.”
Universally Ready services include a weekly CAB advice service drop-in, for the Cornton community, based in ACE Cornton on Tuesdays from 10am until 12.30pm and 1pm to 4pm (no appointment necessary) and an access point for all Stirling CAB specialist advice services.