Benefit advice surgeries

by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
08/07/2008

Benefit advice surgeries will be running this summer to ensure that carers are getting all the benefits they are entitled to. The sessions are being organised by Hammersmith and Fulham Carers Centre, which has been running in the borough for ten years.

The centre helps carers by providing advice, information, support and social activities. It acts as a focal point for carers in the borough and promotes the development of other services to meet carers’ needs.

Despite the efforts of government to increase the take up of benefits by those people who are entitled to them, many people are still not claiming all that they and the people they care for should be getting. The benefit advice surgeries will help to solve that problem.

Cllr Antony Lillis, cabinet member for community and children’s services, said: “Carers do a wonderful job. They care for their parents or other relatives in a completely selfless way and are the unsung heroes of our community. It is vital that they get all of the support that their work deserves.”

The benefits surgeries will running at the centre,182a Hammersmith Road, W6 on: 

23rd July 1.00 pm—4.30 pm (drop-in)

30th July 9.30 am—1.30 pm (appointments)

27th August 1.00 pm—4.30 pm (drop-in)

3rd September 9.30 am—1.30 pm (appointments)

The Centre also runs a young carers service. This service promotes the needs of young carers and offers them after school and school holiday activities and short breaks as well as emotional and educational support and advocacy.

Through the centre, adult carers can get access to grants for breaks, hardship and bursary funds. They can also sign up for alternative therapies such as reflexology and shiatsu and have counselling.

For an appointment please telephone 020 8563 8014.