in county durham The Advice Network Better Together Conference

Welcome Sam Scotchbrook Network Development Officer Advice in County Durham sam.scotchbrook@cdcab.org.uk 0191 3726704 Website: www.adviceincountydurham.org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/adviceincountydurham Twitter: @AiCD17

About the network A partnership of information, advice and support providers in County Durham Aims to improve the access to and quality of advice in the county No wrong door ethos Made up of over 140 services Two posts funded by CACD and DCC Networking and training opportunities Sharing of information and resources

Achievements Large and diverse network of services Includes emergency services, GP practices, voluntary and community sector providers, County Council and MPs offices Universal Credit Conference Stanley advice hub Networking Events; new referral relationships Multiple communications methods with the network Advice Events 215 people received training this year so far

In Development New engagement from GP practices. Opportunities to build relationships between advice sector and primary care services New engagement from MPs offices Universal Credit Possible three tiered training programme in development for 2018: Two day advanced, one day introduction, half day basics Research and campaigns 2018 networking and training programme New website

Referral Opportunities Secure online referral system www.adviceincountydurham.org.uk

Referrals 2883 referrals have been sent through the portal in the last 12 months Traffic is double what it was in its first year Allows you to refer to 59 services (see referral catalogue) Can attach documents without filling mailboxes Easy to use and secure Improved communication between users Clear audit trail Further development in pipeline

Training Progressive training programme At least one session per month Free Benefits training delivered by DCC Welfare Rights Universal Credit 2018 schedule pending

Any Questions?