Advice Services in Southwark
Southwark Legal Advice Network Funding has been awarded by the Big Lottery to improve access to quality assured advice services and self-help information in Southwark for people in greatest need.
This website provides information about advice services in Southwark, listed according to the area of advice - Money/Debt/Tax, Housing & Homelessness, Employment, Welfare Benefits & Tax Credits, Immigration, Discrimination, Goods & Services, Fuel Costs, Family, Community Care, Domestic Violence, Education, Personal Injury and Public Law.
Advice agencies generally fall into one of two categories: generalist advice agencies can provide information, advice and help to resolve your basic problems, and typically offer free drop-in sessions, for which no appointment is necessary; specialist agencies can provide legal services, but can only take on cases by referral from other agencies.
Also listed under the same areas of advice are links to other websites - such as Southwark Council, National Government and other advice guides - where you can find online advice, factsheets and other useful resources.
For a range of useful information and downloadable fact sheets visit www.adviceguide.org.uk
Several members of the SLAN partnership have contracts with the Legal Services Commission to provide housing, debt and welfare benefits advice in the London Borough of Southwark as part of a consortium.
The consortium partners are:
Anthony Gold Southwark
Citizens Advice Bureaux Service
Blackfriars Advice Centre
Cambridge House Law Centre
Pierce Glynn
Southwark Law Centre.
Forum on Equalities and Human Rights in Southwark
Southwark Legal Advice Network has been awarded a contract by Southwark Council to provide a critical friend to the Council around Equalities and Human Rights issues and support the delivery and development of Equalities & Human Rights in Southwark.The role will include the following functions:
• Policy and challenge
• Information and briefing to the Voluntary and Community Sector
• Consultation and partnership
The Vision for FEHRS is to champion a fair and equal society in Southwark by promoting diversity, tolerance and understanding with the aim of working towards the elimination of discrimination.
News and Events
Direct Payment of Rent Demonstration
Updated 18.05.12Southwark Council has been chosen by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as one of the six councils to take part in a Direct Payment Demonstration Project.
A selection of Southwark Council tenants and Family Mosaic tenants will begin to have their housing benefit paid directly to them. The tenant will then be responsible to pay the total amount of their rent to their landlord.
* Please note that if you haven't received a letter from Southwark Council informing you of your inclusion in the Direct Payment Project this page does not apply to you. *
For more information please visit http://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/200008/benefits/2622/direct_payment_demonstration_project
New Domestic Abuse Service
Updated 18.05.12 Delivered by Solace Women's Aid in partnership with Southwark Council has now launched. The service provides confidential advice, advocacy and support to women and men aged 16 years and over who live in Southwark.
Advice and support is offered on a range of issues including:
- Exploring options
- Improving safety
- Housing and homelessness
- Welfare Benefits
- Family & Children's issues
- Legal options
The office is staffed Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm with an out of hours service for both service users and professionals providing 24 hour access to advice, however in an emergency please call 999 and ask for the Police.
For more information about domestic abuse please visit http://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/200230/domestic_violence_and_abuse
New Drop in Citizens Advice Bureau Advice Service
Updated 18.05.12
Every Tuesday 10-12 starting 1st May 2012 at the Kingswood Community Shop, Seeley Drive, SE21
We can help with issues such as: Coping with bills, benefits and housing problems. No need to book.
Tax credits changes
Updated 14.03.12From 6 April, there will be a number of changes to the tax credits rules.
There will be new working hours rules for couples with a child who claim working tax credit. In most cases, you and your partner will need to work at least 24 hours a week between you in total. One of you will also have to work at least 16 hours a week. However, there are some exceptions to these rules.
The 50 plus element of working tax credit will be abolished. No-one will be able to get it on or after 6 April.
Information about these changes is also on the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk and on the DirectGov website at www.direct.gov.uk.
New content on support for victims of domestic violence and abuse
Updated 24.01.12Click here to see new resources on supporting victims of domestic violence.
New Drop In Advice Service
Updated 17.10.11London South Bank University Legal Advice Clinic is now open to the public. The Clinic is located at Caxton House, 13-16 Borough Road, Southwark SE1 0AA.
Public drop-in sessions take place on Wed 11am-2pm and Thurs 2pm-5pm telephone number is 0207 7815 5450 legaladvice@lsbu.ac.uk.
The Clinic is a free drop-in service 5 minutes’ walk from Elephant & Castle staffed by LSBU Student Volunteers under the supervision of practising solicitors.
Basic information is provided on almost any topic, with signposting and referral to appropriate local advice and legal services Specialist legal advice in family and housing at Thursday evening sessions (accessible via daytime drop-in)
Click HERE to download the flyer
The Money Advice Service
Updated 12.07.11The Money Advice Service is a new free, independent service, set up by the government.The Money Advice Service is here to help everyone manage their money better, by giving clear, unbiased money advice to help people make informed choices.
Advice and information is available online, over the phone and face to face. We provide tailored money advice to help you make choices throughout your life, whatever your circumstances.
Telephone: 0300 500 5000
Money Advice Service Health checks
Updated 12.07.11Want to make the most of your money? Visit the Money Advice Service
It’s easier than you think. Answer some straightforward questions about you and your money and our free confidential health check will set out what you can do in easy steps. It takes just 5-10 minutes, doesn’t involve any paperwork and your answers are confidential.
Advice for under 25s
Updated 16.12.2010Citizens Advice has launched a microsite www.advice4me.org.uk aimed specifically at young people in order to ensure that they can access advice and information quickly and easily about the problems that concern them the most. The site pulls together information on debt, benefits, employment and housing from the charity’s existing self-help website and puts it in one easy to use place.
Home Search Help
Updated 22.04.11Southwark Citizens Advice Bureaux and Southwark Law Centre are running sessions every Friday, to help people who are registered with Southwark Council to bid on line for accommodation
10:30-1:00pm - Blue Anchor Library, Market Place Bermondsey, SE16
10:00-1:00pm - Southwark Pensioners Centre 305-307 Camberwell Road, SE5
No need to make an appointment. Please make sure you bring your registration number with you.
Council Tax Advice Sessions
Updated 16.12.2011
Southwark CABx Service are running special drop in sessions for people having difficulties paying their council tax.
The sessions are held at Bermondsey CAB on the first Tuesday of the month at 5.30pm. We can only see the first 12 people so please try to arrive early.
The next session is Tuesday 10th January 5.30pm at Bermondsey CAB, 8 Market Place, Southwark Park Road, London SE16 3UQ