Residents Leaflet 130209

Feeling the effects of the current downturn? There’s lots of advice and support available for people in Bristol. This leaflet lists some of the most useful organisations. For more information go to: www.bristol.gov.uk/economicdownturn

GENERAL ADVICE If you need advice on employment, housing or welfare benefits: ACAS

Offer FREE advice on employment & workplace issues. Tel: 08457 474 747 www.acas.org.uk Family Information Services

Provide free impartial information and guidance on a full range of childcare and children's services and resources across Bristol. Tel: 0845 129 7217 www.bristol-cyps.org.uk/early/familyinformation-service.html South Bristol Advice Services Tel: 0117 985 1122 www.southbristoladvice.org.uk North Bristol Advice Centre

Tel: 0117 951 5751 www.northbristoladvice.org.uk Avon & Bristol Law Centre

Tel: 0117 924 8662 www.avonandbristollawcentre.org.uk St Paul's Advice Centre

Tel: 0117 955 2981 www.stpaulsadvice.org.uk Bristol Citizen's Advice Bureau Tel: 0870 121 2134 www.bristolcab.org.uk

Translation/Special Requirements If you would like this information in a different format, for example Braille, audiotape, large print or computer disc, or community languages, please contact Customer Services on 0117 922 3928

FINANCIAL ADVICE/MANAGE YOUR MONEY If you need help and support sorting out debts or money worries contact: National Debtline Tel: 0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk Consumer Credit Counselling Service Charity providing free debt counselling and management services. Tel: 0800 138 1111 www.cccs.co.uk Bristol Debt Advice Centre Tel: 0117 954 3990 www.bdac.org.uk Energy Advice Project The Energy Advice Project provides Energy Debt advice and support. Tel: 0117 954 3544 www.bdac.org.uk Bristol Credit Union Tel: 0117 924 7309 www.bristolcreditunion.org Tax Credits If you're responsible for at least one child, you may qualify for Child Tax Credit. If you work, but earn low wages, you may qualify for Working Tax Credit. Tel 0845 300 3900 or textphone 0845 300 3909 www.hmrc.gov.uk/TAXCREDITS

LOOKING FOR WORK OR APPLYING FOR BENEFITS If you’re unemployed or about to be unemployed and need information on looking for work or applying for benefits: Jobcentre Plus Search for jobs on the Jobcentre Plus database or via the phone on 0845 606 0234 www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk Bristol City Council

Bristol City Council is responsible for calculating, paying and giving advice on Housing and Council Tax Benefit for customers who live in Bristol. Tel: 0117 922 2300 www.bristol.gov.uk Nextstep

Nextstep southwest is a FREE careers service for everyone over 20. FREE information, advice to help you improve your skills and job prospects, whether you are in work or not. Tel: 0845 850 5070 www.nextstep.org.uk Connexions West of England Connexions is a service for all young people aged 13 to 19 (up to 25 for those with a learning difficulty or disability). Tel: 0117 987 3700 www.connexionswest.org.uk City of Bristol College Free two week Employability Courses from City of Bristol College in Retail, Care & Hospitality - further help with securing interviews & on the job training (including NVQs) also available. Tel: 0117 312 5354 www.cityofbristol.ac.uk Tomorrows People

Tel: 0117 924 6815 www.tomorrows-people.co.uk

SKILLS & TRAINING If you want to improve your skills or need training: City of Bristol College A range of courses are available, delivered at various locations across Bristol. Tel: 0117 312 5354 www.cityofbristol.ac.uk The Learning Communities Team The Learning Communities Team provide FREE, short, informal courses in community venues across the city. Tel: 0117 903 9750 www.communitylearning west.co.uk Learn Direct

Tel: 0800 101 901 www.learndirect.co.uk

HEALTH CONDITION OR DISABILITY If you’re looking for a job and have a health condition or disability. Remploy Tel: 0845 155 2574 www.remploy.co.uk Working Links Tel: 0800 917 9262 www.workinglinks.co.uk Employment Opportunities

Tel: 0117 989 7066 www.opportunities.org.uk

SELF-EMPLOYED OR BUSINESS OWNER If you’re self-employed or own a business or if you want to start your own business. Business Link

Tel: 0845 600 9966 www.businesslinksw.co.uk BRAVE Enterprise Tel: 0117 944 5330 www.brave.org.uk CSV Avon Tel: 0117 908 2266 www.csvavon.org.uk

OTHER SERVICES Bristol City Council

Bristol City Council provide a range of services Tel: 0117 922 2000 www.bristol.gov.uk Council Housing Rents & Repairs

Pay rent, discuss rent problems, set up Direct Debits, repairs and maintenance issues: Tel: 0117 922 2200 Care Direct Advice and information for older people, disabled adults and their carers. Tel: 0117 922 2700 Concessionary Travelcards, Disabled and Residents’ Parking Bus travel for the over 60s and eligible disabled people, blue badges, disabled parking bays and other residents’ parking schemes. Tel: 0117 922 2600 Energy Efficiency

Tel: 0800 512 012 Homelessness advice & help (single people) Tel: 0117 914 1188 Homelessness advice & help (families) Tel: 0117 353 4007 Internet Access

Free Internet access is available at your local library. To find your nearest library contact: Tel: 0117 903 7200 www.bristol.gov.uk/libraries Directgov

Easy access to the public services you use and the information you need, delivered by the UK government. Topics include: y Employment y Money, tax and benefits y Education and Learning y Health and well-being www.direct.gov.uk