Town Trust grant for “life-saving” Citizens Advice project

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20 September 2019

Local charity Citizens Advice South Warwickshire said a huge thank you to Stratford Town Trust who have confirmed ongoing support that will allow them to continue their Reach Out and Help (ROAH) project.

The project is described as “life-saving and life-changing ” by one of its clients. Beckey Barton, a young mother with fibromyalgia, was initially helped to get a blue badge because of her disability. Since then, the ROAH team have helped Becky to claim the benefits she needs as well as get a grant to help with costs for an adapted bathroom

Beckey is now able to run Stratford Fibro Friends support group at Lomas Cafe in Stratford Hospital. “I’ve had amazing support from the ROAH advisors. It’s very daunting when you are not well and have no idea of what help is available. “

When Beckey started Stratford Fibro Friends the ROAH team offered support to the new members. “I have seen people taken from the pits of despair and despondency back into being hopeful about their futures, thanks to ROAH help. I can’t thank them enough.”

The Town Trust funds will help continue to deliver home visits to those in crisis who can’t get to Citizens Advice South Warwickshire’s main offices or outreach sessions. The project targets people who are vulnerable, have disabilities or face serious hardship.

Sara Aspley, Chief Executive of Stratford Town Trust said: “We have seen the value of this service which helps many who literally have no one else to turn to for even basic support. The most vulnerable and needy people in the town are helped in so many ways.”

Jeremy Vanes, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice South Warwickshire said: “When we visit people at home our specialist advisor can reveal and work to solve a lot of problems. Working across our varied services and with partners and statutory services, we make sure they get the right level of support, help them with hardship grants and be a sympathetic ear.”

This grant will run alongside money from the National Lottery for our already running South Warwickshire wide ROAH project. These new funds will ensure there is continued service for the whole of Stratford District.

If you wish to refer to this project, or learn more about it, please contact roah@casouthwarwickshire.org.uk to request a referral form.

To contact Stratford Fibro Friends call 07587 143374.

Citizens Advice South Warwickshire (CASW) is a local charity working to serve people in need across South Warwickshire. We support nearly 8,000 annually making a huge difference to their lives through the dedication of our 26FTE staff and our 130 volunteers.

In 2019, our brand partners, National Citizens Advice celebrates its 80th anniversary of offering a free, confidential and impartial service for anyone with any issue.

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