Mental Health & Addictions Project

SLAB Making Advice Work Renfrewshire Council and partnership agencies have been awarded 18 months funding from the Scottish Legal Aid Board to help mitigate the effects of Welfare Reform. Stream 1 – CAB and Renfrewshire Council working to mitigate effects of benefit changes Steam 2 – Renfrewshire Council and Housing Associations assisting tenants Stream 3 – Renfrewshire Council and RAMH assisting clients with mental health and addiction issues

SLAB funding The projects are currently funded until March 2015 but it is hoped that this will be extended. In the first 3 months of this year SLAB advisers raised £254, extra income for clients and helped them to manage £216, of debt.

Our aim at Advice Works is To improve the quality of life for vulnerable groups and communities in Renfrewshire through increasing income and managing debt.

We aim to Provide benefit checks for all Renfrewshire residents Assist clients to deal with multiple debts Increase benefit take up through campaigns Challenge decisions & represent residents at tribunals Provide talks to community groups

We can give advice & assistance on Housing & Council Tax Benefit Disability & Sickness Benefits Income Support & Jobseekers Allowance Managing debt & money advice options Scottish Welfare Fund–Applications & Reviews Tax credits Benefit appeals Legal procedures for debt recovery. Charity applications

Venues Alcohol Problems Clinic Renfrewshire Drug Service, Back Sneddon Centre RAMH headquarters Sunshine Recovery Cafe Ingeous Social Work Area Teams Local Libraries Home visits to clients who are unable to travel outdoors.

Welfare Reform Has brought about changes Personal Independence Payment Scottish Welfare Fund Under Occupancy/ Bedroom Tax Benefit Cap Mandatory Reconsiderations

Impact on clients Telephone claims & follow up calls Medical assessment Questionaire /lengthy forms Decisions regarding capacity for work Appeal process Time restrictions Sanctions

Actions to take Benefits are a complex area and wrong advice can cost people money If in doubt refer onto a specialist At Renfrewshire Advice Works we can assist clients with benefits and debts

Where can you find us? Telephone : Address : 8 Collier Street Johnstone PA5 8AR Beth Jamieson : Brenda Calder :