Welfare advice service has expanded at Deeplish and Spotland Community Centres

Use of the Welfare Advice Service has increased especially from those who are deprived, vulnerable, disabled or who have language and cultural barriers

Free face-to-face welfare advice service has expanded at Deeplish and Spotland Community Centres.

The Deeplish-Spotland Welfare Advice Service is a free bilingual service for those in need, and is provided in several languages, including English, Urdu, Punjabi and Kashmiri.

The welfare service has expanded, joining forces with the economic support network at Action Together as well as other partners, so it can provide additional support and advice.

Staff say they have continued efforts to help and support the community, offering services including welfare rights, universal credits, debt, council tax, housing and personal independence payments (PIP).

Demand for its services have increased throughout the pandemic, especially from those who have financial worries, are vulnerable, disabled or who have language barriers.

Local councillors, residents, service users and volunteers participated in a joint re-launch of this service which is now available face to face Monday to Friday at both centres.

Spotland Community Centre offers this service on the following days:

• Monday, Tuesday & Fridays 10am – 3pm
• Book a session by emailing asgharspotlandcc@inbox.com or by ringing 01706 354151

Deeplish Community Centre offers this service on the following days:-

• Wednesday, Thursday & Fridays 10am – 3pm 
• Book a session by emailing info@deeplishcc.co.uk or by ringing 01706 860151

Arshad Mahmood, a trustee of Deeplish Community Centre, said: “We are responding to the community's needs and working in partnership with other agencies and organisations to maximise our support to local communities during difficult times as well as offering solutions to local people’s money matters and difficulties by providing culturally appropriate, effective and supportive services."

Mahmood Ghauri, chair of Spotland Community Centre, said: “We thank to our funders, partners, staff and volunteers in supporting and delivering this valuable service. This expanded service and work will certainly support people and communities to get help for their welfare, wellbeing and social issues faced."

The Deeplish-Spotland Welfare Advice Service service takes place Monday – Friday and sessions must be pre-booked.