CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 26.06.2020
Bassetlaw Action Centre remains closed until further notice, however we are now able to offer a Volunteer Shopping Service to those in need of essential shopping. Our Community Car Scheme is now starting to take bookings and Home Support cleaning services will resume from 1st July 2020. Please call for more details Telephone: 01777 709650.

Our staff continue to offer telephone consultations and support.
Staying Well Courses and Minibus trips are postponed until further notice.

Winter newsletter: https://www.bcvs.org.uk/images/November2020/Winter_Newsletter_2020.pdf

Bassetlaw Action Centre is a community resource agency offering help and support to individuals and organisations throughout Bassetlaw; promoting the independence of older and vulnerable people and supporting individuals with long term conditions.

Opening times: Monday- Friday: 9:00am - 13:00pm (outside these hours an answerphone service is available).

For debt problems call 01909 498890 or for general problems call 0300 4568369. For cancer-related money problems call 01909 498889.

Every Citizens Advice is a registered charity reliant on our trained volunteers and funding to provide these vital services for local communities.

Bassetlaw Citizens Advice offers free generalist advice to any person accessing the service. Specialist services within our team are only available to individuals resident in the Bassetlaw area.

Generalist Advice sessions cover all enquiry areas such as; employment, debt, welfare rights (inlcuding Universal Credit), relationships, housing, consumer rights & saving money on energy bills.

Our office provides drop-in sessions where a short introductory interview will be held to help decide how you can be best advised. You may then require a follow on appointment. 

Worksop office drop-in sessions:

Mon: 09.30 - 15.00 
Wed: 09.30 - 15.00 
Fri:    09.30 - 13.00 

Retford office drop-in sessions:

Tuesday & Thursday 10.00 - 14.00

Telephone advice line- 03444 111 444

Unless indicated otherwise, an adviser should be available to  provide introductory information to help decide how you can best progress with your enquiry.

Monday-Friday 10.00 - 16.00

National Number: 03444 111 444

COVID19 - update, 16th July 2020 - Telephone safe and well checks, shopping and meds collection if volunteers are available. 

Still no face to face activity. Safe and well telephone calls and assistant shopping only.

Bassetlaw Hospital Discharge Scheme operates in Bassetlaw district for anyone aged 50 or over on hospital discharge and helps them to quickly regain their independence and confidence.

The patients will be visited on the ward before discharge and matched with a volunteer.  Services offered include:

• Preparing the home for return
• Assisting with visits to outpatients' appointments, shopping, collecting prescriptions and social activities
• Signposting to other service benefit checks, home safety, community transport and other community services.

All volunteers are trained and DBS checked, and will provide support for six  to eight weeks.

Opening times

Monday:    9 - 5pm

Tuesday:    9 - 5pm

Wednesday:    9 - 5pm

Thursday:    9 - 5pm

Friday:    9 - 5pm

Covid -19- advice available under the GET ADVICE heading on the website:  http://www.independentage.org/                                                                                                                        Provides information and advice service for older people, their families and caers, focusing on social care, welfare benefits and befriending services. This is integrated wih local support, includin one to one and group befriending schemes.

COVID19 update, 20th July 2020 -  for full details please visit https://www.nottshelpyourself.org.uk/kb5/nottinghamshire/directory/home.page 

We also provide some services to help you keep independent which you can access at anytime, without the need for any type of assessment.

These include:

Meals at Home delivery service

 http://www.countyenterprisefoods.co.uk/

Handy Person's Adaptation Service- help and support to keep people safe  secure in their home with free or low-cost but high quality essential adaptations  small practical jobs.

• telephone: 0300 500 80 80.
• email: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk.

The Connect Service- can help you by finding info about local services, activities & opportunities. If needed, Connect staff can work with you around money issues, housing problems, health management & other things. This short-term support will be tailored to your needs & will focus on achieving what you want in a way that suits you.

• website: www.personalisedsupport.co.uk/Bassetlaw-Connect
• telephone: 0115 844 3541

Independent Financial Advice & Support 

 0300 500 80 80 

If after exploring these options you feel you may need more support, then you might need to have a Care & Support Assessment. This will allow you to explain the things you are finding hard to achieve & we will discuss with you how we might be able to help you.

The aim of the assessment will always be to help you regain or maintain a level of independence.  We will carry out the assessment in the most proportionate way depending on your needs, this could be over the telephone or at one of our clinics.  

Please contact us on 0300 500 80 80, an advisor can help you with your options and may complete a referral for a care and support assessment.

Poverty just loves to destroy lives. It breaks families apart, isolates people from friends and family, shatters confidence and drives many to think that suicide is the only way out.
UK poverty is real, with millions locked in its miserable grip. We’re not prepared to sit back and let it wreak havoc across our nation.

In a just and compassionate society, no one should be trapped in their home, afraid to open the door or answer the phone. No one should wake up wondering where they’ll find the money to feed their children or heat their home. No one should have to be alone, especially when times are tough.

That’s why CAP is on a mission. To restore hope for those who are lost and hurting. In partnership with incredible local churches across the UK, we’re bringing life-changing freedom and good news to people in desperate need.

New enquiries helpline: 0800 328 0006

Always through the Church. Always hope.

Warm front Scheme EAGA Partnership.

THE WELL COVID UPDATE

We've seen the recent government advice for reopening and we are working on getting our facilities and team set up and trained to follow the guidance ready for reopening. Perspex is being bought, powerpoint training is being prepared and risk assessments are being done. If you want to know more about a specific group or meeting that was held at the well please contact the group leaders. The centre is still closed as at 25/08/2020.

Here at the Well we do loads of community work... we like to see it as the church becoming the heart of the community again... just like it used to be. Our aim is to ensure that everyone who connects with us is welcomed and valued. Whatever your age, we have something available for you... contact Angela, our Community Centre Manager for more information about our extensive work with and in the community.

Normal services available at The Well include:

Comedy Club

Our next Comedy Club is unfortunately cancelled... if you've got a ticket... you can roll it over to a future comedy night or contact us for a refund. Our resident host is Tony Vino. When we relaunch come along and have a good laugh. Advance tickets are £10.00 and can be purchased in person at our centre or by clicking on the link below (Online payment is managed by PayPal and once processed we will post out your tickets to you).

Baby Kingfishers

Baby Kingfishers is our friendly and relaxed cafe for parents and toddlers... oh and babies, crawlers, cruisers, carers, grans and dads. Babies and toddlers have space to play and discover new things while adults can have refreshments including coffee, toast and even cake. Have you got an under three year old? Come along and let them play... we meet on tuesday mornings from 9.30 till 11.15 in the Community Suite (up on the first floor).

Bassetlaw Food Bank

Over the years we have provided food parcels to families in need.  In 2013, we helped to form the Bassetlaw Food Bank, working in partnership with local councils, churches, charities and communities. We are now encouraging donations of food to be delivered directly to the Food Bank premises at Buttermarket House, Exchange Street, Retford, DN22 6BP Need food, want to volunteer, donating food? Please contact The Foodbank directly.

Blends Cafe

Blends is a Community cafe on Monday mornings from 10.15, offering warmth, friendship and enjoyment for all, where you will be able to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and cake whilst making new friends. A Support Worker from Christians Against Poverty (a debt counselling organisation) available most weeks. At 11.15am there will be various activities lasting an hour on a rolling monthly cycle, subject to change. £2 donation. You can also stay on for our ‘Lunch on Mondays’ where you can enjoy a 2 course meal for just £5.

Community Cinema

Second Chance Cinema is one of our community projects... We convert the Brownlow Hall into a cinema, providing a second chance to see your favourite family films - a cheap night out for all the family. 

Debt Counselling

We operate a free debt counselling service, Job Club and Money course via partnership with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) - a national charity. Giving free independent professional debt advice, CAP provides a remarkable service to those who need it most. CAP has helped over 12,000 families on their journey out of debt. If you are in debt and need help... please don't suffer alone... To book an initial appointment, please call FREE on 0800 328 0006.

Lunch at The Well

Using our fully fitted professional catering kitchen we have now opened a luncheon club. We offer classic fine foods at a healthy price. It's an opportunity to enjoy a two course meal and a drink in a warm, friendly atmosphere. You can enjoy a good 2 course meal peppered with good conversation for just £5. Every Monday 12.30-1.30pm (excluding bank holidays). Last orders 1pm. Taste and see that our food is good!

Venue Hire

We are thrilled at your interest in our venue and are excited at the prospect of both partnering with and serving you for your event.  We see ourselves as more than ‘just a venue’ or a ‘room to rent’ but as a place of partnership with the wider community. Built in 2010 to replace the old building, The Well, Retford Baptist Church is a modern venue thriving at the heart of the local community.   Located in close proximity to the A1/M1 and in walking distance from Retford Train Station and Town Centre, The Well is ideally located to host your event. We have a variety of rooms available for hire with room capacity ranging from 3 to 320.  Be it a long term weekly booking, a one off event or anything in between, we are able to provide a room, required set up and catering options suited to your needs. Wi-Fi is available throughout the main building and all function rooms are equipped with a selection of audio/visual equipment. Room details, catering options and more are waiting to be looked at...so have a look and get in touch.   Let’s make your event a success Angela Wakelin Centre Manager

COVID19 update, 20th July 2020 - for details please call 01302 812345

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ Our free national advice line and local advice helps hundreds of thousands of people every year.

Age UK Doncaster provides services including homecare, cleaning services, day services, home and garden services and a home from hospital service.

Age UK Doncaster can also offer information and advice on a range of issues including money, housing, health and social care etc.

THE IVY OSBORN CHARITY GIVES WIDOWS AND ELDERLY SPINSTERS LIVING IN THE VILLAGE OF WALKERINGHAM 

COVID 19 UPDATE 

We have coordinated a phased approach to reintroducing visitors to our care homes and retirement living in England, Scotland and Wales. Where a home or scheme has an active outbreak or is in a location experiencing a regional lockdown it will remain closed to visitors until Public Health advise that they are able to open again. 

If there is a regional lockdown in place, you will not be able to visit loved ones. Please follow local information and if you are unsure please contact the home for more information. In these cases, the end of an outbreak will be defined when Public Health declares the local lockdown is over. This is to account for national differences and changing guidance.

Services for older people in South Yorkshire

At MHA Communities South Yorkshire, we want to enable older people to stay living independently in their own homes for as long as possible, with the best possible quality of life.

Through befriending, lunch clubs, assisted shopping, activity and friendship sessions, outings, escorts to appointments and much more, MHA Communities across the UK help to tackle loneliness and isolation in people over 65 – helping them to lead fulfilled lives and remain as active members in their local communities.

Trinity Hospital was established as Alms houses over 340 years ago, in 1671 with an endowment from the Will of Dr John Darrel of West Retford.

He left his own property, Retford Hall, to provide accommodation and hospitality for 15 gentlemen, who were in a particular need. We offer the same hospitality today within the Grade II Listed Alms houses on Hospital Road in Retford.

The endowment of John Darrel also left a portfolio of properties for rent, which are available to let at competitive market rents. Please call the Trinity Estates Office for any additional information, or search on the website for further details of available properties.

Trinity Hospital provides 15 self contained units for men 

• Applicants must be male bachelors or widowers
• Applicants must be over the age of 50
• Applicants must be of good character
• Applicants must be of poor or modest means
• Applicants must be able to look after themselves
• Applicants must have a connection to Retford or the surrounding area
• Preference will be given to any descendants of John Darrel
• Applications must be made in writing to the Bailiff, and references will be taken.

Rotherham Heroes Volunteer Programme

26th March 2020

We are aware that many residents will want to help by supporting their neighbours or others who may be in self-isolation, and that there will be residents in need of help with some tasks who will not be sure who they can turn to. We are working together with Rotherham Council and the Rotherham Together Partnership to help support and coordinate this activity.

ROTHERHAM HEROES VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME

The Rotherham Heroes Volunteer Programme is a borough-wide volunteer programme, co-ordinated by the Rotherham Community Hub to help vulnerable people across Rotherham during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The Rotherham Community Hub includes Rotherham Council, Voluntary Action Rotherham and other community partners.

WHO CAN SIGN UP?

We want to hear from people who wish to volunteer, and businesses and community groups that can offer help in the coming weeks and months.

We particularly want to hear from community groups and volunteers who can offer help with:

• shopping for essentials
• tackling loneliness
• prescription collection
• pet care / dog walking
• advice and signposting to support services.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

• If you are a volunteer we will match you with a community group who will contact you soon.
• If you are a business willing to help we will link you into the local community organisations in your neighbourhood. We will respond as quickly as we can. We will respond as quickly as we can. Response times will be dependent on the number of enquiries we receive.
• If you are a representative of a community group we will add you to our database, match you with potential volunteers and provide you with the details of anyone who contacts us requesting support.

Please note, we are currently only asking for volunteers to register. Further details on how residents can request help will be available soon.

STAYING SAFE

We want volunteers and neighbours to be safe whilst you help one another out during this uncertain time. We will be providing guidance on this shortly. In the meantime, please refer to the information below on ‘Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones’.

Sign up to the Rotherham Heroes Volunteer Programme

VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT

An information pack has been designed for community organisations and other partners to help us spread the word and get involved in this vital volunteer programme.

Volunteer Toolkit

Voluntary Action Rotherham provide a comprehensive range of specialist support services to meet your needs: Community Accountancy, DBS Checking Service, Funding  and organisational Support, Human Resources, Meeting Room Hire, Office Accommodation, Online Directory, Payroll, Photocopying, Social Prescribing Service, Training Courses

There are a number of ways you can get involved in Volunteering. Either come along for an appointment or apply online. Come along to speak to one of our advisors who will be able to explain what it is all about.

COVID19 update, 29th July 2020 - Please call Bassetlaw District Council on 01909 533533 in relation to Food Parcels

All referrals to the Food Bank for aid must be made through one of our signed up referral agencies. No Self Referrals will be accepted.

No more than 3 food parcels are issued in any 6 month period. If you are affected by extreme hardship as a result Universal Credit. Ring 01909 476118 for further signposting

These agencies have the capacity to work closely with clients and signpost them to other services as well as to the Food Bank.

They have all signed a detailed agreement which outlines our criteria.

Please signpost any prospective clients to one of these agencies

which include :-

A1 Housing                    Nottinghamshire Women's Aid ( NAW )

Barnados                       Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

HOPE Community Services

Framework – Moving Forward Service

Probation Services           Framework Homelessness Prevention Service

Health Visitors                 Job Centre Plus ( Worksop & Retford Offices )

Leaving Care Team          New Roots Young People's Team

Social Services                 Nottinghamshire Disability Network

Centre Place                    Christians Against Poverty ( CAP )

British Legion                   Bassetlaw District Council ( Worksop & Retford Offices )

Community Adult Mental Health Team(CAMHT)

Surestart Children's Centres – Harworth, Bircotes, Hallcroft, North

Leverton, Misterton, Manton, Kilton, Prospect, North Worksop

(Shireoaks )

Worksop Distribution Centre,

78 Lowtown Street

Opening times

Mon to Fri 10am – 2pm

Phone & Fax – 01909 486770

adminworksop@bassetlawfoodbank.org.

Retford Distribution Centre,

Buttermarket House

Exchange Street

Retford

Opening times

Mon to Thur. 9am – 4pm

Fri 9am - 2pm

Phone – 01777 710858

Some Volunteer Organisations are closed between Christmas And new Year.

COVID19 update, 3rd August 2020 - awaiting guidance on when it will be safe to open the cafe again. Keeping in touch with friends of the cafe via telephone.

The cafe is at 10.15am when you will be able to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and cake whilst making new friends.

There is also a Support Worker from Christians Against Poverty (a debt counselling organisation) in the team if you require that service. At 11.15am there will be various activities lasting an hour on a rolling monthly cycle, subject to change.

£2 donation.

You can also stay over for our ‘Lunch on Mondays’ where you can enjoy a 2 course meal for just £5. 

COVID UPDATE

We've seen the recent government advice for reopening and we are working on getting our facilities and team set up and trained to follow the guidance ready for reopening. Perspex is being bought, powerpoint training is being prepared and risk assessments are being done. If you want to know more about a specific group or meeting that was held at the well please contact hte group leaders. The Centre is currently closed as at 25/08/2020

We operate a free debt counselling service, Job Club and Money course via partnership with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) - a national charity. Giving free independent professional debt advice, CAP provides a remarkable service to those who need it most. CAP has helped over 12,000 families on their journey out of debt. If you are in debt and need help... please don't suffer alone... To book an initial appointment, please call FREE on 0800 328 0006.

Contact The Well to book a place.

To book an initial appointment, please call FREE on 0800 328 0006.

CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

NHS Volunteer Responders offers help to people in need of support or who are avoiding public places during the COVID-19 pandemic. Call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm)

“The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) supports older people in their own homes by giving time and practical help them get the best from life.

They provide specialist services locally, tailoring them to meet their individual needs with friendly local volunteers. These services range from support at home to social activities within the community.

-          Home Library Service: where we deliver books from the library to your house.

-          Home From Hospital Service: where we support you with practical help for six weeks after a stay in a medical setting.

-          Good Neighbours Scheme: a longer term support system to our Home From Hospital Service

-          Signposting: we help you find the support you need locally

CENTRE IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO COVID BUT ARE PROVIDING A DELIVERY SERVICE.

We provide 3-days’ worth of nutritionally balanced foodstuffs and basic household or baby needs to help single people, couples, small and large families who find themselves short of money and in a crisis situation perhaps caused by illness, family break up, unemployment, benefit delays, family bereavement, relationship breakup, theft or a myriad of other reasons.  We chat to people over a cuppa and a biscuit or beans on toast and help direct them to agencies and people who can help with the crisis.

Our foodbank also runs a rural delivery service, which takes emergency foodboxes to clients living in rural areas who cannot afford to get to a foodbank

DUE TO COVID19 PLEASE CALL THE CENTRE FOR LATEST UPDATES ON TIMES AND ACTIVITIES

The Old Library, Memorial Avenue, Worksop S80 2BP

The Aurora Wellbeing Centre Worksop 01909 470985

Offer services for people with a diagnosis of cancer or long term conditions. Provides advice information and support. Drop in support group Macmillan information hub.

Gentle gym sessions Pilates and Yoga.
Beauty and Holistic treatments.
Cancer patients are entitled to 6 free treatments. Carers are entitled to 2 free treatments.
Support group 1st and 3rd Friday of the month

Please email info@moneysortedind2n2.org ‘Money Sorted in D2N2’ helps people with money management and supports them to improve their financial well-being.

It can help you if you are someone not in work and you live in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham or Nottinghamshire. We are still taking new referrals during the Corona virus period. Please email info@moneysortedind2n2.org

Money Sorted in D2N2 provides support and personally tailored interventions for people experiencing the greatest financial difficulty.  It will enable individuals to take control, build their confidence and skills and help them tackle barriers and problems in order to improve their financial well-being.

It is for people of working age who are experiencing financial difficulties and exclusion, who are unemployed or economically inactive and living in the D2N2 area.  

If you are working with someone who may be interested in this project please contact the Money Sorted in D2N2 team:

Tel no: 0115 908 1534

Email: info@moneysortedind2n2.org

Website: http://moneysortedind2n2.org/

COVID19 update, 29th July 2020 - no drop in sessions at the moment but face to face visits have resumed.

For anyone feeling isolated, vulnerable or lonely in their own home. Short term support in the following areas-:
Physical & mental health-Keeping active, support to maintain contacts with family & friends, preventing falls, support to manage long term health conditions
Finances- Supporting to budget, benefits applications, advice on Lasting Powers of Attorney 
Social interaction-Support to find local activities, clubs & leisure

Housing Support to maintain tenancy, housing applications, support to move house, Home Safety-Support with aids & adaptions, repairs, gardening
Maintaining independence to improve self confidence.

Drop In Details: Monday: 1 - 4 Sandy Lane, Partnership House ( Worksop ) - 11am - 4pm

Friday 11.00 - 4.00 Goodwin Hall, Retford

BENEFITS AND CORONAVIRUS

Visit our website for advice on redundancy, furlough, shielding, self-employment and employee information.

Turn2us is a national charity helping people when times get tough. We provide financial support to help people get back on track. We offer help for a variety of situations and circumstances so please visit our website if you need help. There is also an online contact form if you need to get in touch.

Support is available from the service regarding any changes in benefits and the support available.

Coronavirus / Covid-19

Visit our website below for information relating to COVID 19 and what we are doing to help during lockdown. https://www.nea.org.uk/category/covid-19/

NEA is a National Independent Charity offering advice, support and practical help if your spouse or dependent family has served in the armed forces, or are currently serving

Do you ever go without heating to save energy?

Are you worried about the cost of your fuel bills?

NCC Customer Service Centre can arrange for the person you are caring for to have an assessment.

Call 0300 500 80 80

Monday - Friday 08.00 am - 8.00pm

Or you can email them directly Email: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk

Visit the NCC Website: http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/

Call 0300 123 1053

or visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/

Social care and support guide

If you or someone you know needs help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability, this website explains your options and where you can get support.

COVID INFORMATION

To provide food and essential support during the Coronavirus pandemic, our Friary Drop-in Centre will be open:

Monday – Friday

09.00 – 12.00 each day 
We are offering a limited but practical at the door drop-in service daily by giving out food, clothes, essential items and providing welfare support. Please respect the social distancing advice when you arrive. Please only attend our drop-in Centre if essential.

Saturday – Closed

Sunday – Closed

The Friary now delivers a wide range of services with open access drop-in sessions being delivered 3 times per week, 52 weeks of the year. Each drop-in is accessed by over 100 local people in need of support. The Friary is passionate about people and about tackling poverty caused by homelessness and unemployment. The charity is committed to offering person-centred advice and support which is accessible and free to all those who require it.

Facilities Available

Open access drop-in sessions from 9am to 1pm on: MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY

During these times the following available:

• Confidential Advice on Housing, Benefits and Debt related issues
• Practical Assistance (food, clothing & small household items)
• Access to IT Suite for support with Benefit & Housing Claims 9.30am-12.30pm
• A range of Health & Hygiene Facilities
• Refreshments and Nutritious Hot Food
• Emotional Support

Sunday Evening Fellowship
8pm to 9pm

Or by appointment at other times

• Confidential Welfare Guidance
• Practical Assistance
• Someone to talk to

How we do it
By offering the following services:

• Professional Advice and Referral
• GP Surgery
• Homeless Health Team
• Employment Support
• Optician
• IT Literacy Training
• Barber
• Welfare Provision of Nutritious Food, Clothing, Toiletries and Small Household Items
• Shower and Laundry Facilities

The scheme can help residents who satisfy the following criteria:

• Have a long term health condition that is made worse by the cold (see agreed list of conditions in the box below)
• Live within the Nottinghamshire County Council area
• Are in fuel poverty (defined as having a gross household income of no more than £16,010 per annum exc. PIP/DLA or £800/month after mortgage/rent)
• Have savings of less than £16K
• Own or privately rent their home (Levels of fuel poverty are considerably higher in the private rented    sector – 19%)

IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF BASSETLAW RESIDENTS THROUGH SUPPORTED
ACCESS AND NAVIGATION INTO LOCAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT GROUPS

The Community Advisor is a specialist with a wealth of knowledge and experience about services across Bassetlaw, helping individuals to access non-medical support services from voluntary organisations and community groups.  

Anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a Bassetlaw GP can access this service.
You can ask at your GP Reception when the Community Advisor will be visiting your local surgery or contact us directly here at BCVS.
The Community Advisor will discuss with the individual how one of the many voluntary or community services may help them improve their health and wellbeing alongside any existing medical treatment.

The Community Advisor can help you to:

•  Identify groups which may offer additional support to help you understand and manage your medical condition
• Access community social groups by giving you a named contact and specific group information 
• Access benefits, debt and welfare advice
• Address loneliness and isolation issues by encouraging participation with local activity group
• Access information and advice on a wide range of services for the whole family

Your Community Advisor will be able to identify suitable support options and they will afford the time to find contact details of the leaders of groups and services to make the access as smooth as possible.

There are several ways to make contact with the Community Advisor:

You can ring the Community Advisor direct for telephone advice. Available Monday to Friday on 01909 476118 Ext 24.

Coronavirus - changes to our service

Every local Citizens Advice is now closed - you can’t get face to face advice.

You can still get help by calling our national phone line or by talking to an adviser online. 

Contact us about applying for Universal Credit

Our Help to Claim advisers can help you with the early stages of your Universal Credit claim. You can talk to them on the phone, online over chat or face-to-face.

Our advisers can help you:

• work out if you can get Universal Credit

• fill in the Universal Credit application 

• prepare for your first Jobcentre appointment 

• check your first payment is correct 

National Helpline Number 0800 144 8 444 08.00 am - 6pm or visit the website

You can read our online advice on Universal Credit at any time.

Talk to us online

You can also chat with an adviser online about your Universal Credit application. Chat is usually available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. It's not available on public holidays.

This directory is maintained and operated by Nottinghamshire County Council.

If you need help using this directory or would like to contact us for more information, please get in touch with one of our friendly advisors using the details below:

Telephone: 0300 500 80 80

CSC minicom: 01623 434993

Email: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk

We are open Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm.

If your query is specifically around SEND, please email local.offer@nottscc.gov.uk.

If your query is specifically for Supported Self Care, please call 0300 303 2600 or email selfcarehub@selfhelp.org.uk.

From increasing your income, upgrading your heating, to improving your home’s energy efficiency, support is available from the Warm Homes Hub.

Healthy Housing are now providing emergency fuel vouchers for prepayment individuals and families whose financial situations have been affected by COVID-19 across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. 

Introduced by the Energy Saving Trust, these vouchers help to discourage the need to self disconnect by making gas and electricity more affordable.

We can allocate three £49 vouchers per household, one per month, from October to January and they can be used to pay for either gas or electricity.

Households who have a pre-payment meter AND have been adversely effected by COVID-19. i.e. loss of income (furloughed, made redundant) OR are at risk of self-disconnection.

You will receive your voucher within 48 hours of application if eligible. These can be received via text, email or letter. Show the voucher at your usual 'PayPoint' location.

OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9AM-5.30PM

Armed Forces Day 2020

The Armed Forces Day flag has been proudly flying in Worksop and Retford market squares all week.

We would like to thank all members of the Armed Forces past and present for their service to our country and in our communities.

This year we celebrate our #MercianWarriors, past and present, and are grateful for all they have achieved this year through their continued selfless commitment and dedication to serve the nation. Working alongside NATO partners and other allies, they continue to deliver security at home and abroad. Adaptable and ready, most recently regular and reserve soldiers of The Mercian Regiment have been deployed across the country, assisting with the delivery of self-administered COVID-19 tests to those in need.

Leaving the armed forces can have a huge impact on your life and your family. Not only must you find a new job and housing, but also settle your family into schools, jobs and social activities.

A wide range of services are available from Bassetlaw District Council and our partner organisations that can help with your resettlement.

Bassetlaw District Council has marked its support for the local services community by adopting an Armed Forces Community Covenant.

The covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community and its local armed forces representatives. It not only recognises the contribution of serving personnel, their families and veterans but importantly it identifies practical ways the Council can help them access support to help them adjust to life after leaving the services.

In turn, the armed forces promote ties with the local community and offer support wherever they can.

Other partners and local groups, have also signed up to the principles in the Community Covenant, including Nottinghamshire Police, local NHS services, Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue, Job Centre Plus, and BCVS on behalf of local voluntary and community services.

You can read the Bassetlaw Community Covenant for additional information.

There are a range of national and local support services listed here. There are also local organisations that welcome ex forces personnel and their families to join them.

The Armed Forces Champion for Bassetlaw is Councillor Tony Eaton.

A range of support services are also available from local and national organisations that will help to get you settled in to civilian life.

Royal British Legion

Royal British Legion (RBL) provides practical care, advice and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families. The RBL run the Poppy Calls Handy Person Service which provides a service for small household repairs and minor adaptations around the home.

Looking for a job or training? Need advice about resettlement? Trying to work your way through the pensions minefield? You'll find a whole range of useful guides and contacts are available via the Royal British Legion's Civvy Street Website.

Soldier, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association

Soldier, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) provide financial, practical and emotional assistance to anyone that is currently serving or has ever served in the Army, Navy or RAF and their families. The local branch can be contacted on:

• Nottingham
  • Telephone: 0115 9781623
  • Email: nottinghamshire@ssafa.org.uk
• South Yorkshire
  • Telephone: 07941 361210
  • Email: south.yorkshire@ssafa.org.uk

Service Personnel and Veterans Agency

Veterans UK provides a range of services including a veterans advice helpline, a welfare service that will provide a dedicated caseworker to assist veterans and their families, links to other veteran charities offering advice and details of how to contact local veterans advisory and pensions committees who provide support to war pensioners and war widow(ers).

Joint Service Housing Advice Office

The role of Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) is to provide specialist housing information and evidence to encourage service personnel (and their dependants) to consider their civilian housing options and assist the transition into civilian life.

Shelter

Shelter, the housing end homelessness charity provide specialist advice to Armed Forces and Ex-Services personnel.

Army Families Federation (AFF)

The Army Families Federation (AFF) is independent of the Army and offers confidential advice on a range of welfare issues including money matters and family life. AFF works at a local level directly with families and local command.

MOD Army

The MOD Army provides details on a range of welfare issues including deployment support for families, legal assistance and a dedicated Forcesline for confidential guidance.

Naval Families Federation

The Naval Families Federation lists organisations and charities that can help with a range of welfare issues, including bereavement and disability needs.

Royal Navy Equality & Diversity

The Royal Navy Equality & Diversity pages provides information to help serving personnel facing bullying, harassment or stress.

Help for Heroes

Help for Heroes can provide swift financial assistance and a long term support network. Our whole focus is supporting you and your family on the road to recovery.

• Royal British Legion - Retford Branch
  The Branch meets at 19.30hrs on the first Monday of every month at the Babworth Sports & Social Club in Retford DN22 7NJ.
   
• Royal British Legion - Worksop Branch
  The Branch meets at 19:30hrs the last Thursday of every month at: Kilton Forest Golf Club ,Blyth Road, Worksop, S81 0TL
   

• Worksop Breakfast Club (WBC)
  A group of veterans from Her Majesty's Armed Forces
  Meets 10.00am -12noon every Saturday
  at Yates, Victoria Square, Worksop. S80 1DX

  Contact: Ian Hollis or Michelle Smith 

• Retford Breakfast Club (RBC)
  A group of veterans from Her Majesty's Armed Forces
  Meets 9.00am every Saturday
  at the King and Miller, North Road, Retford. DN22 7XW

  Contact: Denis Scaife
  Email: retfordbreakfastclub@gmail.com

Looking for a job or training? Need advice about resettlement? Trying to work your way through the pensions minefield? You'll find a whole range of useful guides and contacts are available via the Royal British Legion's Civvy Street Website.

• The Royal British Legion (RBL) provides practical care, advice and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families. The RBL run the Poppy Calls Handy Person Service which provides a service for small household repairs and minor adaptations around the home.

• Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) provide financial, practical and emotional assistance to anyone that is currently serving or has ever served in the Army, Navy or RAF, and their families.

• Bassetlaw Citizens Advice Bureau provides a dedicated Money and Benefits advice service for veterans across Bassetlaw.

• The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency is responsible for pay and pensions provision.

• Finchale Veterans Service is a specialist training college which hosts a veterans support network and produces a Directory of Services. Finchale was founded in 1943 as a rehabilitation and resettlement centre for disabled servicemen.