Advice and information resources
Advocacy
- Community Support Network (CSN)
CSN is a mental health service user-led charity that provides a range of free, confidential and independent mental health advocacy services - in patient, forensic and community advocacy - for residents of Lambeth. Contact CSN by ‘phone on 020 7737 6050 / 7274 4490 or email / .
- PACE for lgbt community
PACE’s mental health advocacy service provides practical support, enabling lgbt people with mental health issues or who are in emotional distress to make informed choices, to represent themselves and to get the services they need. The services are free of charge and hospital visits can be arranged. For more information, phone Guillermo Llorca-Diaz on 020 7700 1323; or email ; or visit their website http://www.pacehealth.org.uk/mental_health_advocacy/
- Advocacy Partners
Advocacy Partners promotes the Rights, Voices and Choices of people with learning disabilities, older people, and people with physical disabilities or mental health needs. They provide independent advocacy to enable people to have control over their lives, make decisions, be treated fairly and participate fully in community life.
Contact them by tel: 020 8330 6644; ; or more info at http://www.advocacypartners.org.uk - People First Lambeth
People First Lambeth (at 336 Brixton Road, SW9 7AA) provide a self advocacy project for people with learning difficulties. Support, mainly through group work, to enable people to speak up for themselves, stand up for their rights and make appropriate choices. They have groups for women and men. For further information, call 020 7642 0045; or email them at ; or try their website at http://www.peoplefirstlambeth3.org.uk/
- Action for Advocacy
For details of further organisations offering advocacy services in Lambeth, please visit Action for Advocacy website at http://www.actionforadvocacy.org.uk/contactServlet?action=list&borough=22 or give them a ring on 020 7820 7868.
- Stockwell Partnership
offer advocacy support, welfare benefits advice and general information - in Spanish, French, Arabic, Somali, Tigrinya, Amharic, Arabic and Lingala - to residents of Stockwell. Call them on 020 7735 5051. Their website is at http://www.stockwell.org.uk (Dec 2007).
Befriending
- Community Support Network (CSN)
CSN is a growing mental health service user-led charity which has launched a befriending service for people in Lambeth with mental health issues. If you’re interested in aceesing the service or to volunteer as a befriender, contact Michael Edwards on 020 7274 4490/ 07942 201254 or email him on
- Carers Befriending service
works to support carers over 55 who feel lonely, isolated or just need some company outside of their caring role. IT relies on vetted, dedicated volunteers. To find out more, contact Age Concern Lambeth’s Befriending Service on 020 7346 6817.
General advice sources
- Advice Sources
This DASL factsheet lists sources of advice - Lambeth_community_advice_centres.doc
- Focus on Disability
http://www.focusondisability.org.uk This site has a wide range of information for disabled people and their carers in the UK. For a comprehensive list of topics view the Main Index or use the Search Facility. If you do not find the information directly the site has reference to many organizations and agencies who may be able to help you.
- Scope Response
Scope Response is an information, advice and support service to disabled people and their families. For information on cerebral palsy and general disability issues call Freephone 0808 800 3333, email: or Text: SCOPE, plus your message to 80039
- AskSARA
for advice on daily living equipment call Disabled Living Foundation 0845 470 7272 (Textphone: 020 7432 8009) or access their website at http://www.asksara.org.uk to do a self-assessment.
Employment and training
- Business Link London
offer advice and information on self-employment and setting up your own business. Please click on this link
Business_Link_London.doc for further details or you may contact their Business support helpline on 0845 6000 787 or their business support website at http://www.bllondon.co.uk
- Fast Track training project
The aim of the project (run in conjunction with Shape and funded by the London Development Agency) is to get more disabled people working in management positions in London based Arts organisations. Fast Track combines a 15 week work placement at a performing arts venue with management training in topics including marketing and negotiating contracts. Participants also receive a bursary payment of £2,250. For an application pack that includes a project summary and frequently asked questions, please contact Kevin Durjun, Fast Track Co-ordinator, Independent Theatre Council (ITC)
Tel: 020 7089 6820; email: ; or check out their website at http://www.itc-arts.org - SHARE Community
SHARE Community provide vocational training and educational opportunities for disabled people and those facing health-related barriers to employment. Courses include Business Adminsistration, Information Technology and Horticulture. Please ring 020 7326 5460 for more details or take a look at our website http://www.sharecommunity.org.uk
- Mosaic Clubhouse employment and education (E&E) unit
Mosaic Clubhouse E&E unit offer a Job Club every Monday 2-5pm where people with mental health problems can get support with CVs, job applications, practice interview skills, look for work. Every Tues from 5-7pm is E&E eve where support is available for any employment or eduication issue.
Mosaic Clubhouse is at 126 Atkins Rd, Balham, Tel: 020 8674 2349, email: .
- Employment Cafe
fast internet access, personal employment adviser, free CV service, jobs to mobiles, and more (in relaxed environment with jazz music) Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm, at 64 Railton Rd, Brixton, Tel: 020 7733 8878; Email:
- Work Directions
On Incapacity benefit/DLA, have long-term health problem, looking to get back into work? Call 0800 587 5666 to arrange help and support with back-to-work plan, job search, CV writing and interview skills, comparison of financial situation if you return to work. Offices in Wandsworth and at Elephant & Castle (info valid as at March 2008).
Carers
- Caring for the carers / Repaying the Kindness
Jamyang’s Repaying the Kindness team sets out to nurture, support and provide respite care for carers who live in Lambeth/Southwark, and who are themselves so kind to others. The friendly team aspire to:
* offer carers respite in a day.
* provide life-enhancing experiences for carers in a day
* strengthen carers’ sense of well-being and help to reduce stress levels through a range of activities.They have been awarded some funding from the National Lottery Awards for All to offer a programme of Healthy Lifestyle events to carers in Lambeth and Southwark from January 2008.
For further info see our News section; or phone Repaying the Kindness on 0207 820 9020, or email: , or visit their website via this link
Caring for the carers
- Lambeth Carers
Lambeth Carers provide information, support, advocacy and outreach services to carers. This includes benefits, community care, disability, respite care, local services and resources. They publish a free quarterly newsletter with details of events and activities for carers. To contact them please tel on 020 7733 9600, or email to , or visit their new website via this link http://www.freewebs.com/lambethcarers/
Rob Finley from St Christopher’s Hospice also runs a bereavement support group at Lambeth Carers, approx every 8 weeks.
You can contact Rob on 020 8768 4596 during office hours on Weds, Thurs or Friday. - Lambeth Crossroads
They offer a care attendant scheme providing home respite care enabling carers of people who have a physical/sensory disability or suffer from dementia or mental health problems to take a break on a regular or occasional basis. They also provide holiday respite and overnight care.
Their Young Carers Project is for people aged 5-18 years and supporting relatives with a disability. The Project offers support, advocacy and casework. A youth club operates during school holidays offering social contact with other young carers, outings and fun!
Crossraods can be contacted from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday at:
Laburnum Court, Barstow Crescent, Palace Road, London SW2 3NS. There is limited wheelchair access and have adapted toilets.
Phone: 020 8671 6188 Crossroads; 020 8678 5605 Young Carers
Email: - Crossroads; - Young Carers Project.
Housing
- Housing
Shelter can provide advice. If it’s urgent call them on 0808 800 4444 or check the Shelter website .
- Housing Benefit
Housing benefit is a means tested benefit which is paid to people who pay rent for their home. They may have a low income, or receive Job Seeker’s Allowance or Income Support. For further information on new and current housing benefit claims, appeals, over-payments, reviews, Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs), the Rent Service (TRS). Link to Lambeth Council’s website
- Lambeth Tenancy Support Service
For individual housing related support and advice for people (18+) who need additional help to live independently in Lambeth, ring 0800 707 6615, email , or check out their website at http://www.onehousinggroup.co.uk
Learning difficulties
- People First
People First have a Supported Women’s Group for all women with learning difficulties and an Independent Women’s Group for those who can travel independently. Both groups meet on Friday mornings. They also offer a Keep Safe course. For more information, please call Maggie or Donna on 0207 642 0047.
- Mencap Learning Disability Helpline
You can call the Learning Disability Helpline 24 hours a day on 0808 808 1111 for information on things like housing, jobs, benefits and local services. All calls are free and confidential. Or you can email: ; Minicom 0808 808 8181; Fax 0121 707 3019. Mencap have a new website that includes video, a forum for parents, and much more. Click here http://www.mencap.org.uk/
Leisure
- Rough Guide to Accessible Britain
Go to http://www.accessibleguide.co.uk for details of this new pocket-sized guide that lists 100 places tested and recommended by their researchers. Whilst stocks last this guide is available for £6.99 (inc P&P), Blue Badge holders can get it for just £1.99 P&P.
Mental health
- Focus Project for mental health users
The Focus Project provides out-of-hours practical advice and social support to help mental health users in Lambeth or Southwark in difficulty or to access other agencies that offer specialist or long-term support. Based at 1, Bethwin Road (off Camberwell Road) SE5 0SH. They can be contacted by tel 020 7277 4136, email .
Their opening times are 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm Monday to Friday; and 2.00 pm to 6.30 pm at weekends. Users can self-refer or ask their CPN or support worker to make a referral. - SANEline 0845 767 8000 - out of hours helpline
SANEline is a national out-of-hours telephone helpline offering emotional support and information for people affected by mental health problems. Its open from 1 to 11 pm every day of the year. The cost from a landline is the same as for a local call. You can call for confidential support and information if you’re worried about your own mental health or concerned about a family member, friend or professional. Email support is available via their website at http://www.sane.org.uk or to .SANEmail is NOT a crisis service - emails will normally be responded to within 5 working days.
- Lambeth Mind
Lambeth Mind is run by mental health service users and survivors. Their helpline is open Mon 11-1.30 pm, Tues & weds 2.30-5pm - call 020 7735 3505. Their website http://www.lambethmind.org.uk also enables people with experience of mental distress, and their allies, to access useful services and support and to make informed choices.
- South London & Maudsley (SLaM)
Contact SLaM’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for help, advice and information - 0800 7312864; or visit their website at http://www.slam.nhs.uk/
- Community Support Network (CSN)
CSN provides a full in-patient advocacy service, forensic and community advocacy services, and some community befriending services. For further information, contact CSN by phone 020 7737 6050 or by email to
Money
- CLS Direct
The CLSDirect website gives advice on welfare benefits - CLSdirect website - welfare benefits page
- Grants for individuals
This DASL factsheet lists grant making organisations which will accept applications directly from individuals DASL_Factsheet_-_Grants_for_Individuals.pdf.
- Grants for holidays for people with disabilities
Click on the link below for a list of organisations who may be able to offer a grant for a holiday for people with disabilities.
This information was valid in October 2007 and is subject to change.
Grants_for_holidays_for_people_with_disabilities_(1107).doc - Free debt management advice
The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) can provide you with free confidential advice and support. For immediate
help, visit their website by clicking here - http://www.cccs.co.uk/ - for debt advice to suit your individual circumstances.Payplan offer a full range of free debt solutions. You may call them on 0800 917 7823 or complete an online form on their website at http://www.payplan.com/
National Debtline also provide free, confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems.
You can contact them by FREEPHONE: 0808 808 4000 Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday 9.30am to 1pm. They have 24-hour voicemail to leave a message to request an information pack or factsheet. Or you can complete a form on their website at http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/contact_us.php - turn2us - free access to information on benefits and grants
turn2us is a new charity launching an online service to help millions of people in need in the UK. People can access information on all benefits and grants available to them from both statutory and voluntary organisations, at no cost. In many cases, applications for support can be made directly from the website. You can also use the simple calculator on their website http://www.turn2us.org.uk to assess whether you are claiming all of the state benefits you are entitled to.
- Every Pound Counts
Lambeth Council is working in partnership with local advice agencies to give advice on welfare benefits and tax credits to help people with disabilities claim their full tax credits. Call an experienced benefit adviser on 020 7926 5787 or email or visit http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/everypoundcounts
Transport
- Getting a Freedom Pass when you have mental health problems
Some tips for getting a Freedom Pass if you have mental health problems. Tips_for_getting_a_Freedom_Pass.pdf
- More freedom with Freedom Pass
From 11 Nov 2007 disabled Freedom Pass holders can use the London overground network free of charge at any time; while people over 60 are entitled to free travel on the network from 9 a.m (previously 9.30) on weekdays. The network covers services from Stratford to Richmond, Willesden Junction to Clapham Junction, Euston to Watford Junction, and Gospel Oak to Barking. To use national rail services within London, the start time remains 9.30 a.m for all Freedom Pass holders.
- Mobilise
Mobilise campaign for and support disabled drivers, passengers, scooter and wheelchair users, families and carers.
Their information team provide specialist information and advice on various subjects including disabled parking bays, access, Blue Badge scheme, public transport, returning to driving after becoming disabled, adapted vehicles and mobility aids.
You can contact them by tel 01508 489 449, email to , or via their website http://www.mobilise.info
Utilities
- British Gas Home Energy Care Register
The Home Energy Care Register is a Priority Service Register for all their gas and/or electricity customers who are elderly, disabled or chronically sick. It enables British Gas to record your specific requirements and helps them to provide you with the services appropriate to your needs.
Benefits include:
Added security - only genuine British Gas reps visiting your home will be able to identify themselves with a pre-arranged password
Specially designed appliance controls and adaptors - for customers with dexterity or visual impairment;
Advice booklets - these are all available in a specified alternative format such as large print, Braille or cassette
Talking bill service, enlarged bills, Braille bills, quarterly tape ‘Newslink’;
Free yearly gas safety check - by request, if you are of pensionable age/disabled/chronically sick and you live alone or with others, all of whom are of pensionable age/disabled/chronically sick/under 18 years;
Moving your meter(s) - if their position makes them difficult to use;
Priority in case of notification of gas escapes and/or electricity supply interruptions;
The nominee scheme - your gas and/or electricity bills can be sent to a nominated person of your choice.To enquire or register, call 0845 600 1935; or textphone 0845 600 8500.
- EDF Energy Networks
EDF maintain the electricity cables for London and are the company to contact in the event of a power cut, whoever your electricity supplier is. There is a Priority Services Register if you are of a pensionable age, disabled, chronically sick, poor sighted, have hearing difficulties, or in need of special requirements e.g language difficulties. For more info you can download the Priority Services booklet from http://www.edfenergy.com/edf-energy/downloads/Priority%20Services.pdf ; call EDF on 0800 269450; or Textphone 0800 096 2929.