People First Lambeth

People First Lambeth 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/

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 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans-gendered 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.

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
Crossroads Care - South Thames (formerly 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.
Carers’ Hub

The new Lambeth Carers’ Hub services start from December 21st 2009. Find out more about the services available at the Carers’ Hub webpages
Lambeth Council website

Lambeth Council’s website has useful information on services for carers.
Carers UK

Carers UK’s website is an important resource for carers and has information, advice, campaigning news and carers’ forums. Its free telephone advice line is avaialble on Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am - 12noon and 2pm - 4pm on 0808 808 7777.
Princess Royal Trust for Carers

The Princess Royal Trust has a network of 144 independently managed support services in the UK. It also carries out research and provides information through its website. It can be contacted on 0844 800 4361.
NHS Carers Direct

NHS Carers Direct provides a wide range of information, advice and resources to support carers.
Direct Gov

Direct Gov, the UK Government’s website for citizens, has valuable information for carers about issues such as benefits and pensions, legal rights and community care.

Deaf and hearing impaired people

RAD legal advice for deaf BSL users

The Royal Association for Deaf People has started a pioneering service for deaf BSL users to receive legal advice by webcam over a broadband connection. Advice is available on welfare benefits, employment, housing and, from March 2009, on debt. Find out more at RAD online advice

Domestic Violence

Free phone 24hr National Domestic Violence Helpline

Also information service, including safety planning and translation facilities. Tel: 0808 2000 247 email: or Web: http://www.womensaid.org.uk or http://www.refuge.org.uk
Gaia Centre

free confidential emotional support and referrals for counselling, legal advice, housing and benefits advice, and immigration advice to support women affected by domestic violence. All staff in the GAIA centre are female. Services available in English, Portuguese and Turkish and interpreters can be provided. Tel: 020 7733 8724 Email: Address: PO Box 51952 Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am - 4pm. Tuesday 1pm - 4pm All visits are by appointment only, to book please ring first.
Lambeth Refuge

Lambeth Refuge’s network of safe houses, emergency accommodation for women and children when they are most in need. Tel no: 020 7274 7750 email: web: http://www.refuge.org.uk
Lambeth Domestic Violence Floating Support Service

Provides user specific support to women and their children who have been affected by domestic violence and are living in their own homes within Lambeth. They focus on preventing homelessness through the provision of practical and emotional support. Tel: 020 7582 7737 Fax: 020 7587 1346 Email:
Broken Rainbow

Broken Rainbow helpline is a UK wide service for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people who experience domestic violence. It is a confidential listening, information and signposting helpline service. Tel no: 0845 260 4460 Email: web: http://www.broken-rainbow.org.uk, J414, Tower Bridge Business Complex, 100 Clements Rd London, SE16 4DG, Monday 2-8pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm, Thursday, 2-8pm
Lambeth Council’s domestic violence Services information

http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/services/advicebenefits/domesticviolence/dvcontacts.htm#dv

Education

Independent Panel for Special Education Advice

This is a useful website that offers helpline numbers around education and disability matters in London and wider UK. It also includes information on how to ask for statutory assessments for your child’s special education needs, how to appeal if you are refused, outlines the complain procedures and what to do if you feel your disabled child is being discriminated against at in school. Please visit this website on: http://www.ipsea.org.uk/helplines.htm
National Bureau for Students with Disabilities

This is a national charity that promotes opportunities for young people and adults of any kind of impairment in post-16 education, training and employment. Also offers helpline advice. Please visit http://www.skill.org.uk/ or call 0800 328 5050 with your queries if the website doesn’t answer your questions.

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).
The Lambeth Employment and Training Providers Network

This is a network of local Lambeth based organisations that offers training and employment for people of all abilities and disabilities. It has a great list of what each service offers and the age groups they cover and provides its members with a range of different benefits such as communication, sharing of good practice through forums, bulletins and newsletters, joint projects, area mapping and gapping and outlining of a referral system so beneficiaries can get the most out of the services provided in our borough. Have a look at the website: http://www.letpn.co.uk/home/letpn-members.asp
Domestic Violence

• Free phone 24 hr National Domestic Violence Helpline
Also information service, including safety planning and translation facilities. Tel: 0808 2000 247 email: or Web: http://www.womensaid.org.uk or http://www.refuge.org.uk

• Gaia Centre
free confidential emotional support and referrals for counselling, legal advice, housing and benefits advice, and immigration advice to support women affected by domestic violence. All staff in the GAIA centre are female. Services available in English, Portuguese and Turkish and interpreters can be provided. Tel: 020 7733 8724 Email: Address: PO Box 51952 Opening hours: Monday ,Wednesday ,Thursday and Friday 10am - 4pm. Tuesday 1pm - 4pm All visits are by appointment only, to book please ring first.

• Lambeth Refuge
Refuge’s network of safe houses provides emergency accommodation for women and children when they are most in need. Tel no: 020 7274 7750 email: web: http://www.refuge.org.uk

• Lambeth Domestic Violence Floating Support Service
Provides user specific support to women and their children who have been affected by domestic violence and are living in their own homes within Lambeth. They focus on preventing homelessness through the provision of practical and emotional support. Tel no:: 020 7582 7737 Fax: 020 7587 1346

• Broken Rainbow
Broken Rainbow helpline is a UK wide service for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people who experience domestic violence. It is a confidential listening, information and signposting helpline service. Tel no: 0845 260 4460 email: web: http://www.broken-rainbow.org.uk , J414, Tower Bridge Business Complex , 100 Clements Rd London , SE16 4DG
Monday 2-8pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm, Thursday, 2-8pm

• Lambeth Council’s domestic violence services information listhttp://www.lambeth.gov.uk/services/advicebenefits/domesticviolence/dvcontacts.htm#dv

Equipment for daily living

Update on the ‘retail model’ for community equipment

The London Borough of Lambeth and NHS Lambeth are preparing to implement a new prescription system for simple pieces of community equipment under £100. Find out more by reading this factsheet Transforming_Community_Equipment_Services_-_Retail_Model.pdf

Fuel Poverty

Warm front and Coldbusters grants

These grants are available for boiler replacements if broken down or older than 15 years, insulation of properties, installment of central heating for all private home/flat owners or people over 60 years old and on receipt of a benefit such as income support. For tenants of council properties or housing associations, also on receipt of a benefit, these grants are available for insulation of property only. Warm front scheme can offer up to £2700 and Coldbusters up to £5000 worth of grant money.
Warm front scheme: 0800 316 6011 and Coldbusters: 0800 358 6668, to find out if you qualify and request an application form. Here at DASL we can assist clients with form filling. Call us on 020 7738 5656.

General advice sources

Advice Sources

This DASL factsheet lists sources of advice - Lambeth_Advice_Centres__May_09.pdf
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.

Health Services

NHS Lambeth - responsible for strategy and commissioning

World Class Commissioning is the development programme by which the Department of Health wants PCTs to deliver outstanding commissioning and a healthcare system that is fair, personalised, effective, and safe.
http://www.lambethpct.nhs.uk/about_nhs_lambeth/world_class_commissioning
NHS Lambeth - the health services provider

Lambeth Community Health focuses on community health services across the borough in places such as GP surgeries, clinics, health centres, schools, children’s centres, patients’ homes and intermediate care centres. Click for a list of the services: http://www.lambethpct.nhs.uk/find_a_service

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

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.
The Disabled Photographer’s Society

Technical Support and help for disabled photographers, http://www.disabledphotographers.co.uk, help with modifications and advise on or supply supports so that you can use cameras and take photographs. Information on all aspects of photography for people with disabilities. Promote photography for people with disabilities, or their carers, or groups or anyone with an interest in helping the disabled. They collect and modify photographic equipment which they loan to members, such as camera supports, in exchange of an annual subscription.
SHAPE Arts

Shape is a disability-led arts organisation working to improve access to culture for disabled people, provide skills, opportunities and support for disabled artists to profile and promote your work, access commissioning and contact of employers, deaf arts schemes and support. Also discounted tickets for arts and entertainment in whole of London and accompaniment to event by volunteers/befrienders who attend the event with you and can take you to the event and back home. , train cultural institutions to be more open to disabled people, and run participatory arts and development programmes.
Website: http://www.shapearts.org.uk
Riding for the disabled people Association

RDA http://www.rda.org.uk enables people with disabilities to ride or carriage drive to benefit their health and wellbeing and to achieve their goals. Their principle objectives are to develop and support opportunities for therapy and achievement as well as enable physical activity and enjoyment. Their trained team of dedicated volunteers can assist adults and children of all disabilities to ride, meet others, make friends and have an unforgettable experience. For finding an RDA near you go to: http://www.greaterlondonregion.org.uk

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

Every Pound Counts is a welfare benefits take up campaign provided by Lambeth advice agencies working in partnership with Lambeth Council which started in April 2007.

The campaign aims to maximise income for:
. older people
. adults with disabilities ( including people with learning disabilities)
. adults experiencing long term health problems including mental ill health
. carers
. people caring for a disabled child or child with significant long term ill health

The campaign will do this by ensuring they claim all the welfare benefits and tax credits they are entitled to receive.

If you are a person in one of the categories above and want a free benefits check and advice contact Every Pound Counts on 020 7926 5555 or email You can also find out more at the Every Pound Counts website

If you are from an organisation and wish to refer a person or a family to the service please complete the referral form and email it to or call 020 7926 5555 to make the referral (an adviser will complete the referral form with you over the phone). You can download copies of the referral form from the Every Pound Counts website
Free debt and money advice services

This is a list of Lambeth and National based agencies that offer wide and specialist support and advice on how to manage and deal with debt and financial problems. Helpline numbers and more information on Debt_Factsheet.doc
Employment and Support Allowance benefit

For more information on the new benefit including eligibility, assessment and appeals procedures, have a look at this factsheet ESA_factsheet_Oct08.doc. Offers some additional information to the article on the benefit as published in our newsletter the Mole.

Transport

Applying for a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass

Guidance on applying for / renewing a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass for April 2010 onwards in Lambeth. The Word version which allows you to click on links to useful websites is here DASL_info_on_Freedom_pass_renewals_updated_March_2010.doc

If you prefer to download a pdf version it is here DASL_info_on_Freedom_pass_renewals_updated_March_2010.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.