Published: Wednesday, 21st February 2018
With homelessness hitting the headlines again this month we, and our partners, are urging you to make use of the support services available in west Norfolk and to seek help sooner rather than later.
The West Norfolk Advice Hub, commissioned by the borough council in 2016 to provide free, impartial housing advice to people in west Norfolk, particularly anyone potentially at risk of homelessness or anyone looking to get into social housing or on the housing register.
Shelter, commissioned by the borough council in 2016 to provide specialist debt advice, can help people who may be struggling with housing arrears, utility bill debts or credit card or loan arrears.
Norfolk Citizens' Advice receive funding from Norfolk County Council to provide advice on benefits, consumer, debt, discrimination, education, employment, health, housing, immigration, legal, relationship and family, travel and transport, utilities, communications and other issues.
Jo Maule of Community Action Norfolk, said: "This time of year is always tough. People are having to wait for payday, may have overspent at Christmas or experienced additional costs such as car or boiler breakdowns. If anyone is struggling with their mortgage, rent, council tax or other bills, I would advise them to get in touch with us as soon as possible. We work with a range of agencies that can provide advice and support, whether that's negotiating a payment plan, or reviewing a budget. It is far easier to work with someone to prevent them becoming homeless. Once they have defaulted on their rent or mortgage and been evicted it becomes much more difficult to assist."
Alex Christian, specialist debt worker at Shelter, added: ‘’It is never too late to seek advice and we would urge anyone who is struggling to make sure they get in touch for help.’’
Rebecca Hall at Norfolk Citizens' Advice, said: "Sometimes people's situations are complicated and they may have family issues as well as debt and housing difficulties. We are the first point of contact in such situations and can carry out a comprehensive assessment to point people in the right direction for support and advice. We provide a 'triage' role for advice services in west Norfolk."
To get in touch with the West Norfolk Advice Hub call 01553 223113, visit the West Norfolk Advice Hub's website or email housing@westnorfolkadvicehub.org.uk.
To get in touch with Shelter call 0344 515 1860, visit Shelter's website, or email norfolk@shelter.org.uk
To get in touch with Citizens' Advice Bureau call 0344 411 1444 or visit Citizens Advice Norfolk's website.