An army of local volunteers are being recruited to support people who are having problems due to the latest government welfare reform.
The Welfare Champions project is the initiative of charity East Durham Trust and is seeking to recruit a team of local activists who will advise and signpost people who experience difficulties.
The project recognises that many people will often turn to people they know in the local community rather than contact official support services.
As the Trust’s Chief Executive Malcolm Fallow explained “We are looking for people who are already well placed in the local community who will provide these vital first pieces of information to get people on the right track.”
The project, which is supported by Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) and Livin, is not looking to replicate that of the already well established such as the Citizens Advice Bureau service, but instead will complement this by providing signposting information to the right agencies for assisting with specific issues and cases.
Recruitment of Welfare Champions is currently taking place, within Newton Aycliffe. Volunteers will all receive full training and will be fully reimbursed with any out of pocket expenses.
To become involved in the project contact East Durham Trust on 0191 5693511 or email info@eastdurhamtrust.org.uk