A project aimed at supporting people hit by benefit cuts under the Government’s Welfare Reform Agenda will be hosting a Special Day of Action on 16th December, with trained Welfare Champions available to help to anyone anxious or confused about benefit issues.
The Welfare Champions project acknowledges that a combination of Christmas spending and debts compounded by increased winter fuel bills, can mean that December is often a tough month for many people. The small army of Welfare Champions will be provide advice, guidance and signposting to relevant support agencies, within a special session running from 10am to 2pm on the 16th December at Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre.
As well as Welfare Champions, the livin Smart Money Team and Welfare Rights will also be on hand to offer support. A £25 supermarket gift voucher will also be given away.
The Welfare Champions project is run by local Charity East Durham Trust and funded by Great Aycliffe and Middridge local Area Action Partnership (GAMP). It is based on a belief that local people will often turn to people and places they know for advice and support rather than the established routes. Brian Riley, GAMP Co-ordinator said, ‘‘GAMP are pleased to be a part of the Day of Action and hope the organisations involved will help support some of the most vulnerable GAMP residents’’
Malcolm Fallow Chief Executive of East Durham Trust said, “Issues around benefits and Welfare Rights are brought into sharp focus around Christmas time. This day is a great opportunity for people to get vital advice and support’’
