“Routes Out of Poverty” – Network Meeting 23.1.18

Redbridge Faith Forum held its January network meeting in the Gloucester Room at Central Library on the topic of “Routes out of Poverty”; to give members of the public the opportunity to hear about some of the support services available in Redbridge.

We would like to thank the following speakers who gave very informative presentations.

Bindu Surish, Redbridge Job Centre Operations Manager gave an overview of the new universal credit benefit which is going live in Redbridge from 20th June and replaces six existing benefits.

Elizabeth Hannam, work Redbridge Manager spoke about the comprehensive services available from Work Redbridge to residents aged 16+ who are seeking employment and the support available to new businessess in the borough.

Dawn Cove explained the role of the LBR Welfare Benefits Team and encouraged eligible residents to apply for the discretionary housing payment fund which is available to address the shortfall betweent he housing element of universal credit and the cost of council tax.

Mark Kirk and Stephen Young explained the services available through Redbridge Citizens Advice Bureau which has been serving the locality for 75 years.  These include drop in sessions and pro bono legal advice and between 3000 and 3500 clients are seen each year.  Volunteers are always welcomed and the training is nationally accreditted and quality assured.

Please click here for a full report of the event.

Click here for a fact sheet which was available at the meeting with useful contacts for support & advice.

Please click here to find out the impact Redbridge CAB makes and here for the Redbridge CAB annual report.

Save the date of Tuesday 24th April for our next network meeting when this theme will be continued by hearing from other local organisations who support those living in poverty or on low incomes.