The Heeley Advice Centre is a little known service that has helped people in the community since the mid 1980’s. The 3 full time paid advisors and 6 trained volunteered advisors provide help and advice for those seeking welfare rights benefits, income support, child benefits and advice on rent arrears.
Sylvia who is the centre’s administrator said,
“There are all sorts of issues people can get in a muddle with, we can point them in the right direction.”
Unlike solicitors, advisors at Heeley Advice Centre provide an aftercare service to make clients feel as comfortable as possible without having to travel too far to get advice.
The service is now incredibly busy due to high demand so funding is always difficult. 80% comes from the legal services commission and without this the advice centre may shut down. Everyone from the advice centre would like to say a big thank you to the St Elizabeth Community Group and the Gleadless Valley TARA for recent funding.
In recent months the centre has begun working more closely with several other advice centres in the city these being Sharrow CAB and Castle Advice Services and is hoping to increase links with other centres to help create a stronger network across this side of the city.
The Advice Centre operates from the main office, situated at Heeley Green Community Centre, where appointments can be made. There are also 3 outreach drop in sessions on,
Wednesday 10am-12pm at
80 St Elizabeth Close,
Off Heeley Bank Road.
Wednesday 10am-12pm at
The Gleadless Valley Community Forum.
Friday 10am-12pm at
Gleadless Valley Tenants and Residents Association, Plowright Close.
For more information or to make an appointment contact the main office on 2588751 between 9am-12.30pm.
Abi Hickling
IT'S HAPPENING IN HEELEY! 
Posted on June 1, 2010 by imogentadmanx
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