Real Food Courses

Have you got clients who'd like to learn how to make low-cost, easy, healthy meals? If so, Real Food Wythenshawe are running two 5 week courses for people to do just that! They start in a couple of weeks at:

Royal Oak Community Centre
Monday 7th September, 1-3pm

Benchill Community Centre
Wednesday 9th September, 1-3pm

Anyone wanting to book a space should contact Pam on pamela.moran@wchg.org.uk / 0161 946 9167

August Forum Notes

So we've had the final Forum meeting (for now...you will be given the opportunity to take over!) There was a great presentation by Ryan Bradshaw from Stephensons Solicitors, and Sheena Taylor also came from DWP to give an update - mostly PIP-related, but managed to cover some other topics too! The notes are linked below, as are a copy of Ryan's presentation and further information from Sheena. I also have a few spare hard copies of Ryan's presentation - please contact me if you'd like one.

If anyone would like to volunteer to host a meeting around mid-October, please get in touch and I can help you get the ball rolling...!

Notes
Presentation

From Sheena
PIP Guide
PIP Components
PIP Update
PIP Support Worker Guide

Exciting Event - European Citizenship & Social Rights Open Forum

The Institute for Social Policy, Oxford are holding an event on 8th September to investigate the lived experiences of EU migrants in Manchester, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, housing and welfare benefits.

The event will run from 2-4:30 at Manchester Art Gallery, and will be an opportunity to gather some information about social rights in Europe and take part in a general discussion about your experiences of working with EU migrants.

For more information about the event, a flier can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPSnBfWUVDNmlSYnM/view?usp=sharing

And you can book by completing this registration form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPNGZLVEpRYTRtRzA/view?usp=sharing

Volunteer Opportunity

Motor Neurone Disease Association are currently recruiting for volunteers; please see below for info:

The Motor Nerurone Disease Association is running a pilot Welfare Benefits Project across Greater Manchester from October 2015 – April 2016. The aim of the project is to ensure people with MND and their carers claim the right benefits and and are able to access specialist advice. We are looking to recruit a team of volunteer Benefit Navigators to work with us on this project.

Benefits Navigator – Role Description

The role

 

Benefit Navigators will help people with motor neurone disease (MND) to complete claim forms for Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Navigators will receive comprehensive training covering MND and also how claim forms should be completed to ensure the right amount of benefit is awarded. This role is particularly important because the devastating effects of MND can include losing the ability to walk, write and speak, making dealing with benefit claims very difficult. Navigators will not be expected to understand the entire benefits system, give advice or do calculations – they will signpost to a specialist service to support people beyond initial claims.

Navigators will:

·         Attend 2 training days – one providing information about MND and one covering how claim forms should be completed

·         Visit people with MND at home to complete a claim form for PIP or Attendance Allowance
·       Have a willingness to take time to fully understand the difficulties experienced by a person with MND and carefully record this information on a claim form – this may take an hour or longer depending on possible communication difficulties
·         Be prepared to travel across Greater Manchester to undertake visits – these can be scheduled around other commitments
·         Complete induction and training for the role and attend regular support and information exchange meetings with MND Association staff.
·         Refer people with MND to our specialist benefits advice service to ensure all entitlements have been claimed and be supported to appeal incorrect decisions

Skills and interests sought:

 ·         Good communication skills, a patient and empathetic approach and ability to discuss intimate personal care issues with sensitivity

·         An interest in welfare benefits and a commitment to making the claim process as stress-free as possible for people with MND
·         A commitment to equality and diversity and a willingness to work with members of all communities
·         Knowledge of MND or a willingness to learn about the disease

How much time will you need to give?

The time commitment given will be entirely up to each individual Navigator. This is a new project and we are uncertain about the level of demand for the service but we anticipate a minimum of 8 hours a month will be required.  

How will the MND Association support you?

·         You will receive relevant training to undertake the role

·         You will be provided with one-to-one and group based support and be able to speak to the Project Manager if you have any questions or concerns

·         You will be reimbursed all agreed out-of-pocket expenses, including travel

Benefits of being a Navigator

o   You will have an opportunity to learn more about motor neurone disease and use this knowledge to support people living with the condition

o   This is an opportunity to learn more about benefits for people with MND and other disabled people

o   You will join our wonderful  team of volunteers and meet new people

o   You will have a brilliant opportunity to enhance your CV and develop your skills

o   You can learn  more about how national charities such as the MND Association operate

If you would like more information or an informal discussion about this role please contact Laurie Clemenceau:

laurie.clemenceau@mndassociation.org

01604  611686

 

New Vacancy at Citizens Advice Manchester

Citizens Advice Manchester are recruiting for a Full Time Telephone & Digital Triage Assessor, full time, for 35 hours per week, working from their Contact Centre in the City Centre. 

They are looking for an experienced and self-motivated individual to join their team of telephone & digital triage assessors.  If you can demonstrate: -

* A professional manner and good communication skills 
* An ability to gather and assess information quickly and accurately
* An ability to learn quickly and to work under pressure
* An ability to deal confidently and sensitively with members of the public as part of the frontline service. 
* A commitment to equal opportunity for all

They can offer:-

* A salary of  £19,048 per annum 
* 26 days annual leave per annum (plus bank holidays)
* Health Plan with integrated Employee Assistance Programme

Application packs can be requested via email at hr@manchestercab.org
or by telephoning Jo-Anne Sharkey on 0161 672 0527

Closing date for applications:  5pm on Thursday 6 August 2015
Interviews will be held:   Week commencing 10 August 2015  

June's Forum Notes

Apologies for the delay but the notes from June's forum meeting are now available here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPVWtZdjZSQWc4YzQ/view?usp=sharing

We've also got the slides from the Pension Wise team's presentation to share with you; they can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPdk9iMTVjU3NuQlU/view?usp=sharing

It was a really great session, with fantastic presentations from both the Pension Wise team and Mike at Choices Community Trust on work clubs - thanks also to Barlow Moor Community Association for pitching in with your valuable experience, and to everyone else for some really worthwhile contributions.

Also documented here is the reminder that August will be the last forum facilitated by the MAA team. We're delighted to hear that there's enthusiasm for other organisations taking up a bit of responsibility for meeting organisation so the group can continue, as we can see from the feedback forms you fill in that they've been really useful for you.

Please don't miss out on the next meeting, as it would be great to see as many faces as possible at the last session....it's also going to be really valuable, with a session from Stephenson's Solicitors on Discrimination in the Welfare Benefits System, and Chris Hulse will also be attending. And, if all else fails, lunch is provided! Click here to book your space now - August 11th, 1.30-5pm at Friends Meeting House

It's the Final Forum!!

....And if you're not singing Europe's 'The Final Countdown' now...well, you're probably more sensible than us!

Anyway, the time for the last of our scheduled forums has come, and we're going out with a bang - we have a session on Discrimination in the Welfare Benefits System, followed by Chris Hulse from DWP, and all our regular agenda items. Throw in plenty of time to network, lunch and some homemade baked goodies and you're onto a winner...

So make sure you sign up quick here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/maa-august-forum-tickets-17617218575

We'll look forward to seeing you there!

New Big Lottery Funding

The Big Lottery Fund has announced a new funding programme designed to support women and girls, as it recognises that they have been disproportionately affected by recent public sector spending cuts. The overarching aim is that the funding will empower women and girls to take control of their lives. It should be your organisation's primary purpose to provide services to women and girls either on a specific issue (for example, domestic violence or mental health) or in a community setting e.g. a women's centre or youth group.

The four main funding outcomes are:

1. Increased provision of holistic, integrated,  person-centred approaches for women and girls at risk
2. Increased involvement of women and girls in the design and delivery of the services they use.
3. A greater number of women and girls are supported through the provision of improved specialist support
4. Better quality of evidence for what works in empowering women and girls.

and your project should be able to meet all of these.

Funding of up to £750,000 can be requested for up to 5 years, so this is certainly a pot that may be worth considering. Initial expressions of interest should be submitted by 16th July.

For more information, visit the Big Lottery website

Spotlight On... Hope for Justice

Hope for Justice is an anti-human trafficking charity with their Head Office here in Manchester. Their specialist investigators identify victims of trafficking for forced labour, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude. They've removed 62 survivors from trafficking situations in the UK in the first five months of this year; they work with the police where appropriate but act as an independent third party for victims who may be too afraid (for a variety of reasons) to approach the authorities.

Hope for Justice also provide advocacy for survivors, once they have been taken out of their situation of exploitation by our team or by the police, and help them to secure housing, welfare entitlements, job training, civil claims and criminal injuries compensation.

Have you come across individuals who’ve had their passports taken, who haven't been paid for the work they’re doing or who were recruited on the promise of a job but found that no such work existed? Do they show signs of being controlled by someone else, are they picked up and dropped off for work or are they working extremely long hours? Have they been taken to open bank accounts but have had the card taken away from them, do they have no private area to sleep or are they offered alcohol and tobacco in place of wages? These are a few of the indicators of human trafficking.

Hope for Justice offers free training to NGOs to help frontline staff like you to identify potential victims who may be engaging with your service. You can then refer their trafficking case to our team. To enquire about free training for your team contact Sue Swidrak - sue.swidrak@hopeforjustice.org

 

If you'd like to see your organistion featured in 'Spotlight On...', send us an overview of the services you offer today!

New Citizens Advice Trainee Post

There's a new post opening up at Manchester Citizens Advice for a Trainee Fuel Poverty Adviser; see below for details:

Post 1:           Fuel Poverty Adviser (Trainee)

Salary:           Starting at £20,253 per annum (Rising to £22,937 on successful completion of development programme)

Hours:           Full Time 35 hours per week (Initially 12 months fixed term) 

This is a potential development opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated individual with the minimum required advice experience to join our specialist Energy Advice Service.  Our team of specialist advisers are tackling fuel poverty using a range of preventative measures. We work in a holistic manner to achieve long term benefits for our clients.

The service is targeted at the most vulnerable and financially excluded families.

You will provide a flexible menu of services including debt and welfare benefits advice, income maximisation, financial capability workshops and energy efficiency advice. The adviser will deliver the service via a range of outreach venues.

We value our employees and can offer the following benefits:
•           Generous salary
•           26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
•           Health plan with integrated Employee Assistance Programme
•           Flexi Time working

Application packs can be downloaded from our website: www.manchestercab.org

or by emailing hr@manchestercab.org   

The closing date for application is Thursday 2^nd July 2015. 

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 6^th July 2015.

Keep Volunteering Voluntary Event

If you haven't yet heard of it, Keep Volunteering Voluntary is a campaign against the Help to Work Programme and mandatory work placements - they want to address the major concerns that the sector has about this scheme and how it affects individuals and the organisations which support them.

On July 14th, they'll be holding an event at MMU from 1-4pm; this will:

• Spread information about the Help to Work Programme and the ways in which it is being rolled out by the DWP, prime contractors and their subcontractors (including testimony from claimants who have been affected);
• Share information and experiences between participants who have had contact with the Programme;
• Gain greater understanding and awareness about the effects of workfare and benefits sanctions;
• Help to decide what further action can be taken.

You can book onto the event by clicking here. In addition, they're looking for a couple of people to speak about their experiences of workfare - either as an organisation who have lost genuine volunteers to the scheme or perhaps been offered volunteers as a part of it, or from individuals who have been forced to participate. If you would like to speak, or have a client who you think would like to take part, please email Rosi as soon as possible.

For more info on the event, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPZkt3cW1vR2EtSG8/view?usp=sharing

New Funding Opportunity!

Have you heard of the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People? They used to be known as the Hilton in the Community Fund and they provide funding for organisations who work with children and young people of up to £30,000 on projects up to 2 years. They focus on organisations providing support to one or more of their four targeted groups of children & young people:

• those with disabilities
• those who are sick in hospital
• those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
• those who are life limited (requiring palliative care)

They like grants to focus on providing equipment and capital costs, but can support some staff/operational costs if they are not the majority of the funding.

The Foundation have four funding rounds a year, and the deadline for the next round is 28th July 2015.

For more information, visit their website: https://dmthomasfoundation.org/what-we-do/grants/dmtf-central-grants/

Can you help Stroke Association?

For the past 7 years, Stroke Association have been successfully running an 8 week health and education programme for stroke survivors and their carers. Unfortunately, due to funding cuts the fantastic adviser they had from Age UK is no longer available to deliver these sessions, meaning that they're now looking for someone else to help them out and deliver them.

 

 

 

The talk should last for an hour, will be held 4 times a year and they like it to be informal but informative, as well as being able to adapt to people's needs / disability when answering questions. Is this something you could offer? If so, please contact Chantelle Brady on:

0161 621 3708 / 07860 186 849 / chantelle.brady@stroke.org.uk

 

 

 

Joseph Rowntree Charitable Grants

The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust is looking to fund programmes of work which remove people's problems through radical action, using innovative and inventive methods. They have 5 priority areas, although only 4 will be applicable to Alliance members:

• Peace and Security to support a transition towards:
• The use of 'soft', rather than 'hard' power as a first line of response to conflict within society and around the world.
• The de-legitimisation of violence as a tool for responding to conflict, securing interests or projecting power.
• A culture of human rights and non-violent problem-solving, promoted at all levels of society.
• Power and Accountability - to support people to create a world in which power is more equally shared, and in which powerful institutions are responsive and accountable to wider society and aligned with the long-term public interest.
• Rights and Justice - to promote racial justice and equality of opportunity as a basis for a harmonious multi-racial, multi-ethnic society in the UK.
• Sustainable Future - to develop and promote sustainable, low-carbon alternatives to the current consumerist and growth-based paradigm.

Work does need to undertaken at a national level, so should be looking to make positive change either across Britain as a whole or at least across England.

For more information, check out their website Applications are due by 1st September, 2015

Your Next Forum Meeting!

Ladies and gents, it's time for the next forum! We're hoping to have some Work Club representatives answering your questions, as this is what you told us you want; we've also got someone from Manchester CAB's new PensionWise service coming to tell you all about what they do, and we'll be looking ahead to what happens to the network in the future - we really want you to have an active input into what this looks like, so please come along and have your say!

We're at a new venue this time - Kings House is just off Oxford Road - follow Sidney Street round and it's on your right. There will be lunch provided, with the meeting starting promptly at 2pm - if you have special dietary requirements or you don't plan on having lunch, please let me know so I can adjust catering numbers accordingly.

I'll look forward to seeing you all there!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/maa-june-forum-tickets-17149968016

Your Weekly News Round-Up

The last of May's edition! Some interesting articles including the Queen's Speech.. Get reading!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1kGQrsDFP8IcE95WXRyVDNjTkE/view?usp=sharing

May Forum Notes

Ladies and gentlemen, it's the moment you've all been waiting for....the notes rom May's forum meeting are now available!! Don't all rush at once, but they can be found here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPaUt6QjVjdmkyWms/view?usp=sharing


The next forum is on 23rd June, 1.30-5pm including a tasty lunch at Kings House Conference Centre, Sidney Street, M1 7HB - it's just off Oxford Road. We're currently confirming the speaker, and then we'll make it a live event for you to book onto....but get the date in your diary now!

Health & Wellbeing in Manchester

There are a number of health and wellbeing events, courses and services on offer in Manchester which may be of interest to your clients; details of a few can be found below.

Boost courses to improve wellbeing: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPMGUycTcyQWUxSlU/view?usp=sharing

Boost course in Wythenshawe: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPT3daak05Q0NSczg/view?usp=sharing

Macmillan services:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPNU9sd0tZTnMzckU/view?usp=sharing

Upcoming Real Food events in Wythenshawe:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPWm1YTm1fcHpmbVU/view?usp=sharing

Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau - MAS Contact Centre Job Vacancies

Hi Everyone!

Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau is offering exciting opportunities to join our professional team in our Money Advice Contact Centre. This is funded by the Money Advice Service. There are three exciting job opportunities so please have a look at the advert below.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1kGQrsDFP8IS0NwRldCYzRyTGs/view?usp=sharing

Alzheimers Society Job Vacancy

Alzheimers Society are looking for a Dementia Support Manager to cover Manchester, Salford and Trafford. The post is part time; 28 hours per week, and involves managing a team of Dementia Support Workers, assisting people with dementia and their carers to identify needs and access services.

The deadline for applications is 28th May, and more information can be found on their website: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/recruit_details.php?id=9327

Your Weekly News Round-Up

The latest newsletter from Manchester Advice Alliance.. Have a read..

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1kGQrsDFP8IZS0zc1BROVZ0Y0k/view?usp=sharing

Lloyd's Bank 'Enable' Fund

Have you heard of the Lloyds Bank Enable Fund? The grants programme was created to help small and medium-sized charities who have been hit hard by cuts and changes to funding and commissioning to have a more stable future. Most importantly, it has £2.5 million still available to award in 2015.

The funding is intended to strengthen charities and charitable incorporated organisations (with an income of between £25,000 and £1 million) that are working with people experiencing issues of multiple disadvantage at points of transition but have also identified clear development areas which will support their growth.

Enable grants are for up to £15,000 over two years and are available to charities working with people aged 17 years and over who are experiencing at least one of the following:

• Have been abused or are at risk of abuse
• Are victims of sexual exploitation or trafficking
• Are ex-offenders or those at risk of offending
• Are long term unemployed and are considered to be furthest away from the labour market
• Are leaving care
• Are homeless
• Have learning disabilities
• Have mental health and wellbeing issues
• Have addictions
• Are refugees or asylum seekers
• Have caring responsibilities
• Are older and are losing independence
• Are isolated and vulnerable
• Have severe financial difficulty as a compounding disadvantage

If you think you might be eligible, and would like to find out more, go the Lloyds Bank Website

NEW Free Immigration Advice Clinic

Manchester University have just started running an FREE advice drop-in to help people with immigration advice issues. Advice is provided by a qualified Immigration Solicitor.

The sessions will run on the first Monday of every month from 2-4pm on a first come, first served basis. They are held at:

Room L02.12 (Level 2) Manchester Civil Justice Centre, 1 Bridge Street West, Manchester M60 9DJ

The service offers advice in Tiers 1, 2, 4 and 5 of the Points Based system, working and student visas in Tier 2, 4 and 5 of the Points Based System, Visit Visas, Family Settlement, EEA, Nationality, Judicial Review and Human Rights.

For more information, you can contact the Free Legal Help team on 0161 240 5034 or email freelegalhelp@manchester.ac.uk

Roles at Manchester CAB

Manchester CAB have got a number of new roles available; take a look below for more information!

Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau is a progressive and dynamic advice service offering an exciting opportunity for advisers to join our team.  We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to deliver a first class advice service at outreach locations across the City and via home visits.

Post 1:  Money Advice Contact Centre Debt Caseworker x 2 posts
Hours:   35 hours per week 
Salary: £22,443-£23,945
We are seeking to appoint experienced and competent Debt Caseworkers to deliver telephone and digital advice to clients referred into the service by partners. Successful applicants will have a minimum of one year’s full-time equivalent experience of delivering debt advice and an ability to satisfy MAS standards of competence at casework level

Post 2:  British Gas Energy Trust Fuel Poverty Adviser
Salary: £22,443 per annum 
Hours:   Full Time 35 hours per week (12 months fixed term)
Funded by British Gas Energy Trust, the aim of this post is to tackle fuel poverty by providing a service specifically targeted at the most vulnerable and financially excluded families. The adviser will provide a flexible menu of services including money advice, income maximisation, welfare benefits advice, financial capability workshops and energy efficiency advice. The post will deliver advice and support via a range of outreach venues and specifically at GP Practices and Health Centres. 

Post 3 : Outreach/Home Visiting Generalist Adviser
Salary: £19,817
Hours:  Full Time 35 hours per week
The successful candidate will be based at our City Centre office and will deliver a consistently high quality generalist advice service to our priority target groups. Advice will be delivered principally by appointments at outreach venues and home visits, however also by telephone and digital access channels where the service requires.  

Post 4: Pension Guidance Guarantee Agent
Salary: £19,817 – £21,734
Hours: Full Time (Fixed term to March 2016)
In this exciting, varied role, you’ll provide high quality, accurate, face-to-face pensions choices information and guidance to people from all walks of life.  You’ll help people understand the implications of their financial choices, make sure they are aware of the dangers of fraud and scammers and play a key part in making society fairer.   

We value our employees and can offer the following benefits:
• Generous salary
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Health plan with integrated Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexi Time working
Application packs can be downloaded from our website: www.manchestercab.org  or by emailing hr@manchestercab.org   

The closing date for applications is Monday 11th May 2015.  
Interviews will be held during the week commencing Monday 18th May 2015.

Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau Service has a strong commitment to equality and working with diverse communities

Your Weekly News Round-Up

A mixture of articles for you to have a read!..

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1kGQrsDFP8IekJ1V2F0SzBycnc/view?usp=sharing

Age UK Services

Age UK are running a couple of services they'd like you to know about....and promote to your clients, of course!

The first is their Make & Mend sessions, held on Fridays from 9:30-12 at the Crossacres Community Centre in Wythenshawe. These sessions offer people the chance to socialise and meet new people at the same time as working on practical projects of their choice, all supported by experienced staff. For more details, click here

The second is their East Manchester dementia friendly swimming sessions for people suffering with dementia and those who care for them. These will be starting on the 7th May and will then run every Thursday at 10am-12noon at East Manchester Leisure Centre. They understand that people attending may not want to swim the first time that they attend due to nerves, unfamiliarity etc. Therefore, there will be a few extra staff on hand to show potential participants around the facility to help familiarise them and their carer and go through any procedures or answer any questions they might have. There is no pressure to get into the pool in week 1 if they don’t feel ready. For more details of the sessions, click here

Your Weekly News Round-Up

Hope everyone had a good Easter break! We're back with more articles for you to have a read..

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1kGQrsDFP8IVEZCQmgwaGVvc1E/view?usp=sharing

Spotlight On..... Northwards Housing

The fabulous Tracy Panesh over at Northwards came up with a great idea for us - that a really useful feature on the blog site would be for organisations to be able to display a summary of what it is that they do and who you can call on, to raise awareness of the various types of help and support on offer. She's started us off with information on the Northwards Advice Team:

Northwards Housing is the Arms Length Management Organisation responsible for all aspects of managing Council owned tenancies within North Manchester- That’s currently about 13,500 properties.

Our Money Matters team will support any Northwards tenant with any money related matter.  This includes income maximisation, benefit claims, revisions and appeal, accessing Local Welfare Provision.  We will support them in opening bank accounts, advise on borrowing in a safe and affordable way locally, understanding priority debt and offering a bespoke debt service, offering advice, assistance and advocacy in all aspects of debt management.  Unlike many services, if our clients require it, we can offer help with form filling and personal representation at Appeals Tribunals.

This is not a comprehensive list because essentially if it’s about money we can help or, failing that, we’ll know someone who has any answers we don’t.

We are a team of 3 Money Advisers, 3 New Tenancy Advisers, a Project Lead Officer and a Trainee Money Adviser.  We pride ourselves on offering a service that is obviously free and confidential but above all else is friendly, accessible and tailored to the holistic needs of each client.

As a first point of contact, ring us on 0161 720 5884 and we’ll let you know where we are and when.

We want to make this a regular feature, but we'll need your help to do it. Please email us information on your advice/information/support services, any specialisms that make you stand out, what your team looks like and how people can contact you.

AND Citizens Advice posts too!

Wow, we really are spoiling you...consider this your Easter treat...CAB have a number of posts available:

Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau Service

Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau is a progressive and dynamic advice service offering an exciting opportunity for advisers to join our team.  We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to deliver a first class advice service at outreach locations across the City and via home visits.

Post 1: British Gas Energy Trust Fuel Poverty Adviser
Salary: £22,443 per annum
Hours:   Full Time 35 hours per week (12 months fixed term)
Funded by British Gas Energy Trust, the aim of this post is to tackle fuel poverty by providing a service specifically targeted at the most vulnerable and financially excluded families. The adviser will provide a flexible menu of services including money advice, income maximisation, welfare benefits advice, financial capability workshops and energy efficiency advice. The post will deliver advice and support via a range of outreach venues and specifically at GP Practices and Health Centres.

Post 2:  Advice Supervisor
Salary:  £22,443
Hours:  Full Time 35 hours per week
Responsible for the delivery and co-ordination of generalist advice and information services at outreach and home visits.  Supervising the outreach/home-visiting team the successful candidate will have experience and understanding of supporting and motivating volunteers and staff to maintain quality standards.  The supervisor will act as the principal generalist advisor at our Manchester Town Hall advice service.

Post 2 : Outreach/Home Visiting Generalist Adviser
Salary: £19,817
Hours:  Full Time 35 hours per week
The successful candidate will be based at our City Centre office and will deliver a consistently high quality generalist advice service to our priority target groups. Advice will be delivered principally by appointments at outreach venues and home visits, however also by telephone and digital access channels where the service requires.

We value our employees and can offer the following benefits:
• Generous salary
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Health plan with integrated Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexi Time working


Application packs can be downloaded from our website:  www.manchestercab.org
or by emailing  hr@manchestercab.org  

The closing date for application is Thursday 16th April 2015.
Interviews will be held during the week commencing Monday 20th April 2015.

Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau Service has a strong commitment to equality and working with diverse communities

Booth Centre Job Opportunity

The lovely folk over at the Booth Centre have got an advice worker post available:

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic advice worker who will be reliable, energetic and willing to work flexibly in a very busy day centre. The post holder will run a daily advice session aimed at getting rough sleepers off the streets as quickly as possible, helping to ensure they do not return to the streets and intervening to prevent people from becoming street homeless.

Applications from people with past personal experience of homelessness would be welcome and/or from people who can speak an Eastern European language.

Salary NJC pt. 28: £24,472  + 10% pension

Closing Date: Monday 13th April 11am

Interviews: Wednesday 29th April

The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

An application pack can be downloaded from our website.
For more information contact Amanda Croome, CEO - amanda@boothcentre.org.uk

Touchbase

While we're on the subject of newsletters, don't forget Touchbase, which Chris Hulse mentioned at the last Forum meeting. Touchbase is DWP's monthly newsletter for anyone who works with or advises their clients.

The March edition can be found here, and if you want to subscribe, you can do so here

GMPAG News

The Greater Manchester Poverty Action Group have just released their latest newsletter. With interesting articles on employment, food banks research, Salford City Council's 'Improving Financial Resilience' Project and a piece on our very own MAA Member, The Booth Centre, it's well worth taking a look.

You can find the newsletter online by clicking here

Welfare Provision Information

Manchester City Council have now sent out information on the Welfare Provision Scheme going forward, which looks like this:

The information below outlines the 2015 /16 Welfare Provision scheme; please note that the website and online form will be updated by 01 April 2015.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to e-mail welfare.enquiries@manchester.gov.uk

Link to website
For help with essential items of furniture:
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200008/benefits_and_support/6301/get_essential_items_of_furniture

For support to borrrow money safely:
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/10050/helping_hands_debt_bills_and_borrowing/6393/borrow_money_safely

For fuel grants:
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500017/energy_efficiency/6388/help_with_energy_bills

Internet access points across Manchester:
http://www.manchester.gov.uk/directory/35/ict_access_centres

Please also note; that cookies need to be accepted on the website. If the cookies message disappears please refresh the page (F5).

Applicant Gateway Eligibility
(i) Lives within the Manchester area
(ii) Resident has claimed and likely to be entitled to, or is in receipt of:
        • Income Support,
        • Jobseeker’s Allowance,
        • Employment Support        Allowance; or
        • Guaranteed Pension Credit
(iii) Is aged 16 or over at the time of application.

Supporting Principles
(a)        Residents being re-housed/resettled into new accommodation due to fear of violence, significant health/care needs, following a disaster or emergency, or as part of a supported resettlement programme; or
(b)        Residents requiring support to stay within their home and maintain independent living, with significant and enduring medical/care/support needs; or
(c)        Residents requiring immediate financial assistance following a crisis or an emergency.
(d)        Residents that are in a specific vulnerable group and are in extreme fuel poverty in that they are unable to afford immediate heating costs during the winter months or have been disconnected.
(e)        Residents moving into work (following a period of unemployment) but who remain on a low income with the provision of a grant or loan to assist with public transport costs for the first month of employment. The intention is to sustain employment by ensuring that travel costs are met during the transition period from welfare benefits to salary.

Service Offer
Here are a list of goods applicants could be eligible for:

• Beds and mattresses (single, double, bunk, cot, orthopaedic, waterproof)
• Bedding including pillows and towels (single, double, cot, waterproof)
• Electric cooker or microwave (for single persons)
• Fridge (for single persons)
• Fridge freezer
• Kitchen starter pack
• Washing machine
• Gas/Electric voucher
• Cash Grant
• Travel Grant

Saving Progress
We encourage all applicants to save their application during the process of completing it. This document outlines how to do this: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPRWczMFR2Qi0wajQ/view?usp=sharing

Common errors
Please ensure you accept cookies from the website.

Some fields on the application form need to be submitted in a particular format, please find a brief note on the required formats here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1aWoCJw0ptPeHZCMUlZXzhxZzg/view?usp=sharing

If you have any issues whilst inputting information into the application form, please email welfare.enquiries@manchester.gov.uk and an assessor will contact you as soon as possible.

Supported Applications
We encourage all support workers to complete the 3rd party declaration at the end of the form and supply a telephone number. This will help us validate applicant circumstances and coordinate support.

Submission errors
If any errors occur during submission of the form, please email welfare.enquiries@manchester.gov.uk (this email box is constantly monitored) with details of the claim e.g. LWA ref, NINO, DOB or name. We can then run an integrity report and recover the application form and either submit ourselves or phone the customer to complete any missing details.

Process
Cash Grant:

• Application received in back office, checks undertaken and decision made on Welfare Provision application.
• Applicant informed of decision by phone and letter.
• A voucher is either sent:

1. to the applicants email address for then to print off
2. to a support worker's email e.g. registered provider, CAB
3. Selects a council pickup point e.g. Customer Service Centre

• If applicant is picking up from a Council pickup point, they will need to bring ID with them e.g. letter with a name and address
• The applicant will need to take the printed voucher to a paypoint access point (most newsagents or post offices) and must bring proof of name and address e.g. a bill that matches the details on the voucher
• The voucher will be redeemed for cash.

Gas/Electric Voucher:

• Application received in back office, checks undertaken and decision made on Welfare Provision application.
• Applicant informed of decision by phone and letter.
• A voucher is either sent:

1. to the applicants email address for then to print off
2. to a support worker's email e.g. registered provider, CAB
3. Selects a council pickup point e.g. Customer Service Centre

• If applicant is picking up from a Council pickup point, they will need to bring ID with them e.g. letter with a name and address
• The applicant will need to take the printed voucher to a paypoint access point (most newsagents or post offices) and must bring proof of name and address e.g. a bill that matches the details on the voucher, along with their energy prepayment card/key
• The voucher will be charged to the energy prepayment card/key

Furniture Grant:

• Application received in back office, checks undertaken and decision made on Welfare Provision application.
• Applicant informed of decision by phone and letter.
• Each weekday morning a file containing the previous working day's approved applications are created and raised on our purchasing system.
• Raised purchases are received by our supplier The Furnishing Service (any delivery issues need to be raised with The Furnishing Service 0161 4427563).
• The Furnishing Service text the successful applicant with the delivery date of the furniture, the text contains The Furnishing Service's number in case of any delivery problems.

Travel Voucher:

• Application received in back office, checks undertaken and decision made on Welfare Provision application.
• Applicant informed of decision by phone and letter.
• A voucher is either sent:

1. to the applicants email address for then to print off
2. to a support worker's email e.g. registered provider, CAB
3. Selects a council pickup point e.g. Customer Service Centre

• If applicant is picking up from a Council pickup point, they will need to bring ID with them e.g. letter with a name and address
• The applicant will need to take the printed voucher to a paypoint access point (most newsagents or post offices) and must bring proof of name and address e.g. a bill that matches the details on the voucher
• They will receive a cash grant award

SLA Agreements
Below are the Service Level Agreements for furniture/white good grants and loans. Please note that currently 75% of decisions are being communicated to applicants on the day of application:

• Cash grants following a crisis or emergency - We will contact you within five working days of receiving all the information we need.
• All furniture/white good grants - We will contact you within ten days of receiving all the information we need.
• Fuel Vouchers - We will contact you within two working days of receiving all the information we need
• Travel grants - We will contact you within five working days of receiving all the information we need.

If any application decision time exceeds the SLA above please email welfare.enquiries@manchester.gov.uk and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Requests for information/Decision reconsideration
Any requests for further information or a reconsideration of an application decision need to be emailed to welfare.enquiries@manchester.gov.uk.
Reconsiderations need  to be submitted within 28 days of the application decision, and responses will be received within ten working days.