Advice Week 2008 press release
Strictly embargoed until 00:01 hours, Monday 6 October 2008
£billions up for grabs as financial woes pile on the pressure
Nearly half the population feel more inclined to seek free independent information and advice for help with their escalating bills or other worries than this time last year, (1) according to new research carried out for the Promoting Advice coalition.(2)
The coalition, an alliance of six organisations (3) including Citizens Advice and Age Concern and funded by the Big Lottery Fund, is today launching Advice Week (6-12 October) to highlight different ways people can access free and impartial advice on a range of issues including legal matters, debt, benefits, housing and employment.
While eight out of 10 people are more worried about their finances than this time last year,(4) the coalition found that those who felt that they had the greatest need for advice, were those who had the lowest awareness that free advice was available.(5) This was also the group on the lowest incomes,(6) despite up to £9.9 billion in means tested benefits going unclaimed last year.(7)
To raise awareness, particularly among communities with greatest need, local agencies from the member organisations will be putting on community events during the week, helping clients to sort out money and other worries and urging people to access the benefits they are entitled to.
The provision of such vital services, says the coalition, plays a key role in the fight against poverty and social exclusion by empowering vulnerable people, and those on a low income, to get the support they need. Having access to these vital services can make a huge difference to people's wellbeing and quality of life, often significantly boosting their income and helping them to continue living independently.
Together, organisations in the coalition provide free advice online, over the phone, via email and text services and face to face at a variety of outreach locations including the high street, community centres, health centres, health settings, courts and prisons.
Richard Jenner, Director of the Advice Services Alliance, said
"The Working Together for Advice project brings together national networks for advice agencies to increase access to advice and improve the efficiency of advice services. We are grateful to the Big Lottery Fund for supporting this important work during these difficult times."
Phil Jew, Head of Policy & Campaigns, AdviceUK, said: "Now is the time for the Government to take real steps to help to improve access to independent advice provision"
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: "Rocketing living costs are leaving many people feeling increasingly anxious about the months ahead. Advice services provide a lifeline for millions of people every year - last year alone, Age Concerns helped older people to receive an extra £100m in money benefits. With demand for advice set to increase, it's more important than ever that these vital services are sufficiently funded so everyone can receive the support that they need."
David Harker, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: "Time and time again we see how seeking advice can have a massive impact on people's lives, whether it's helping people speak to creditors, claim the benefits they are entitled to, tackle discrimination, or helping people stay in their home. Yet while recent increases in essential everyday expenses means many people are finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet, too many people are still missing out on money that is rightfully theirs, assuming they won't qualify or are too daunted by the process of making a claim. Anyone unsure about their benefit entitlements, legal rights or other problems should not hesitate to seek advice."
John Fitzpatrick, Chair of Law Centres Federation, said: "Law Centres are experts at helping people in a financial crisis with their housing problems, threatened repossession, managing debt, and ensuring they receive what they are entitled to. Law Centres across the country will be using Advice Week to let people know there is legal assistance available and that they can get free help."
Barbara Rayment, Director of Youth Access, said: "Young people are extremely vulnerable in an economic downturn. Already, increasing numbers are experiencing unemployment, poverty and the problems that result from that, such as homelessness and debt. Research has shown that disadvantaged young people are particularly prone to suffering from stress-related illness and violence as a result of such problems. It is vital that they receive good quality advice from services they can trust."
Anyone who is in need of some extra support should contact their local agency (details in phonebook).(8) Older people can also contact Age Concern's freephone information and advice line on 0800 00 99 66. Online advice is available at www.adviceguide.org.uk
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Notes to editors
1- ICM interviewed a random sample of 1012 adults aged 18+ by telephone across the country on 24-25 September 2008. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk.
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2- The Promoting Advice coalition is part of the Working Together for Advice project, funded by the Big Lottery and dedicated to raising public awareness of the importance of advice. back to top
3- The six organisations involved are Advice Services Alliance, Advice UK, Age Concern, Citizens Advice, Law Centres Federation and Youth Access. http://www.asauk.org.uk/promotingadvice
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4- ICM polling, September 2008, as above. back to top
5- ICM polling, September 2008, as above. back to top
6- ICM polling, September 2008, as above. back to top
7- £9.9 billion. Source: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/income_analysis/jun_2008/0607_NSPR.pdf.
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8- Advice agency contact details as below: back to top
Advice Service Alliance is the umbrella body for independent advice services in the UK. Its members are national networks of not-for-profit organisations providing advice and help on the law, access to services and related issues.
www.asauk.org.uk
Advice uk is the largest UK network of advice providing organisations. Their diverse membership places them in a unique position to influence Government departments and other bodies.
www.adviceuk.org.uk
Age Concern is a federation of charities across the UK that promotes the well-being of all older people to help make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Age Concern England represents Age Concern in this project. Age Concern England provides information for the general public and can direct them to local Age Concern advice services. Information and Advice Line: (freephone) 0800 00 99 66
www.ageconcern.org.uk
Citizens Advice The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free information and advice from 3,200 locations, and by influencing policymakers. The service covers England and Wales.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk Adviceguide website: www.adviceguide.org.uk
Law Centres Federation is the voice for Law Centres, which provide free independent legal advice and representation to the most disadvantaged members of society. They cover England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
www.lawcentres.org.uk
Youth Access is the national membership organisation for young people's information, advice, counselling and support services.
www.youthaccess.org.uk
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