A Wrexham Council benefits advice service raised over £3.6 million for local families last year.
Funded by the Welsh Government Families First programme, the welfare rights service supports families with disabled children up to the age of 18, as well as families who are getting help from Children’s Social Care or the Together Achieving Change project.
Welfare rights officers Kelly and Esther have worked on the project since 2011.
Welfare Rights Officer Kelly said, “We find many parents and carers don’t know what they are entitled to or how to apply for help, especially if they have other issues such as their own health problems.”
“We can help people to understand the benefits system, fill in claim or review forms and even represent at appeal tribunals.”
In the last year, 327 families have been supported with benefits applications and advice.
£3.6 million has been secured by maintaining existing benefit applications and making new claims to social security benefits across 249 families.
94 families were also supported with appeals to adverse benefit applications.
Surveys are also sent out to families who have been supported, 100% of clients scored 4/5 out of 5 when they were asked how useful the service was to their family.
100% of clients also answered yes when they were asked if the service had made a positive difference to their lives.
81.9% of clients answered “agree” or “strongly agree” when they were asked if they were less worried about money.
Councillor Rob Walsh, Lead Member for Children’s and Family Services said “This is a fantastic example of the real difference early support can make to families across Wrexham.”
“Securing £3.6 million for local families is an incredible achievement, but behind that figure are parents, carers and children whose lives have been made easier at what can often be a very stressful time.”
Families are asked to fill out anonymous feedback forms where they can make comments about the service.
One anonymous comment said “If it wasn’t for your service, I wouldn’t have had a clue about what help I could receive. It has honestly made a huge difference, and I really am so grateful that I can now help buy my daughter the sensory equipment which she desperately needs, which there is no way I would have been able to afford otherwise.”
“It has also helped immensely in my own well-being by taking some of the financial stress away of day to day living and utility bills.”
Manager of the service, Cordelia Dealy said “We know that many people are missing out on financial help they are entitled to. Phoning our advice line is a free, confidential way to check whether you could get a little extra help.”
“We can also explain how to claim, answer questions about benefits and in some cases help with making claims.”
The telephone advice line is available Monday to Friday, 9:30am-12pm on 01978 298255.
