Employment and Support Allowance claims by telephone

Jobcentre Plus is looking at ways to encourage Employment and Support Allowance claimants, who are able to use the telephone, to make claims using this method instead of completing paper-based forms. This is part of DWP’s aim to give people a modern and efficient service.

The results of a recent survey showed that claimants are happy to make a phone call to request a form. However, in many cases, they do not want to continue the call and make a claim at the same time.

Yet there are many advantages for people making a claim over the telephone:

• Can call the claim line (0800 055 6688) for free from BT landlines. Some mobile phone operators also do not charge for the calls.
• Will speak to someone at DWP who will go through the application, fill out the claim form, give advice and answer questions.
• Are given advice when extra evidence is needed to process the claim. This helps to reduce delays.
• Are sent a copy of the completed form, so they can check that the information is accurate.
• Have their expectations managed, including being told about what will happen next with their claim.

Modern Jive Beginners Course

Always wanted to be able to dance? You can learn to dance modern jive and feel confident on the dance floor in just 6 weeks.

Introducing DanceAbility - an exciting new project that aims to provide access to a fun form of exercise in the community that builds confidence, self-esteem, supports health and encourages social inclusion.

Acces3Ability Ltd will be running a 12 hour course of dance tuition in Modern Jive in a small, relaxed group over 6 two hour lessons on Sunday afternoons.

The usual cost of the course is £60 per person but 6 places will be offered free to members of Patchwork Shares Timebank in exchange for 12 time-credits.

It is anticipated that as a result of the project you will:

• have increased confidence
• be physically fitter
• have developed new social networks
• have learned a new skill that presents you with opportunities to engage in an activity that is meaningful and structured.

Eligibility criteria: (all must apply)

• Live or work in the North Wales Coastal Regeneration Area
• Member of Patchwork Shares Timebank
• Be either
• Unemployed
• Retired
• Carer
• Single Parent
• Mental health service user
• Suffering from a chronic disease

Meeting the eligibility criteria is not a guarantee of a time-credit place. We will assess each application on its merit taking into account the ability of the applicant to take part in moderate exercise and their willingness to attend all 6 of the weekly lessons. We will operate a gender balancing policy, closing bookings for single ladies or men when the maximum number of either has been reached. Modern Jive is a partner dance but you don’t have to bring a partner as, unlike ballroom, it is etiquette to rotate partners.

Course Dates:

• Sunday 16th/23rd/30th September
• Sunday 14th/21st/28th October

Time:

• 1.30 pm -3.30 pm

Venue:

• Tynewydd Community Centre, Rhyl Coast Rd, Rhyl, LL18 3RD

To book a place or for more information, please contact:

Colette Neal

7 Nant y Glyn Rd, Colwyn Bay. LL29 7PU

Email: coletteneal@acces3ability.co.uk

Tel: 07955 652055

Closing date for bookings 9th September 2012

Children with Disabilities Drop-in Surgery

Held at The Oaktree Centre, Rhyl in the Beech Room.

Social Workers will be available to give advice and sign-post to other services on the following dates:

• Mon 11th June, 9AM – 12PM
• Mon 2nd July, 9AM – 12PM (Focus on Direct Payments)
• Mon 6th August, 9AM – 12PM
• Mon 10th September, 9AM – 12PM (Focus on Transition)
• Mon 8th October, 9AM – 12PM
• Mon 5th November, 9AM – 12PM

For further information please contact Louise Gillen (Practice Leader for Children with Additional Needs) on 01824 712900.

Chat Away Coffee Club

Has your child been diagnosed, or is being assessed, for Autism or ADHD?  Would you like a place for you and your family to be able to speak to other carers and an opportunity for your child to also meet other children who will not judge him/her?

Then come along to Chat Away Coffee Club’s group meetings, which take place during term-time each Wednesday from 9.30am until 12.00pm at The Margaret Morris Centre, Denbigh and each Friday from 12.30pm until 2.30pm at The Oak Tree Centre, Rhyl.

Our next Arts & Crafts session is on Saturday 12 May 2012 from 10.00am until 12.00pm at The Oak Tree Centre, Rhyl.

Donna James and Claire Williamson are parents of children living with these disabilities and together we run Chat Away Coffee Club.  We provide carers an opportunity to meet and talk to each other; we regularly invite guest speakers to provide professional advice to our carers as well as arranging for our group to attend various seminars/courses.  We also hold monthly Arts & Craft Sessions at The Oak Tree Centre, Rhyl.  Living with Autism does NOT mean you are alone. 

For more information please contact us either via Facebook ‘Chat Away Coffee Club’, Email us at cacc@live.co.uk or telephone: Donna or Claire on 07799 848270.