ay Safe, help is still here
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COVID-19 Update
We've moved to a remote service until the foreseeable future.
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Ashfield Energy Efficiency Project
This project will be live from April and taking enquiries and helping people avoid fuel poverty locally. During the current pandemic we will be providing service remotely by phone and email.
Please check out and promote the new website
You can also refer clients/users to 01623 784357 or email energy@ashfieldca.org.uk
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Citizens Advice Ashfield and Nottinghamshire Mind Joint service
Ashfield Citizens Advice & Nottinghamshire Mind is to provide support for clients visiting Citizens Advice with problems that also affect their mental health.
As a result of a successful bid to the Romo Community Fund through Nottinghamshire Community Foundation in July (delayed due to Covid-19), clients will be able to access support from one of Minds mental health recovery workers who will be based on-site at the Kirkby Offices. This is based on other projects in the county that have seen a huge increase in their clients’ confidence and ability to cope as a consequence of the service.
Kathryn Stacey, CEO at Ashfield Citizens Advice says ‘ we’ve been trying to deliver a live project to help our clients suffering from mental health issues for nearly 2 years and are absolutely delighted that Romo Group have supported this worthwhile project
Mental health issues can affect anyone and when people hit a crisis point in their life it’s typically accompanied by mental health problems; having specialist mental health support helps our clients to deal with their problems better and avoids more complex issues that can result’
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Fake websites scamming new Universal Credit claimants
People wanting to apply for Universal Credit in Nottingham have been warned of fake sites operating.
Citizens Advice Nottingham & District said it has become aware of fake Universal Credit sites operating in Nottinghamshire, with crooks looking to exploit people during the coronavirus lockdown at a time of uncertainty.
People are being asked for the long number on their bank card and the 3-digit security number on the back of their card which would allow other people to use it online for purchases.
This would not happen during a genuine Universal Credit claim.
The Department for Work and Pensions only requests sort codes and account numbers when dealing with a claimant.
Peole experiencing this or any scam should contact Action Fraud online at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
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Loan Sharks Warned
People suffering financially due to the Covid-19 pandemic are being urged to avoid loan sharks who cause profound misery and stress to their victims.
Tony Quigley, Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “Our team remains committed to protecting vulnerable people who could be at risk of falling prey to these opportunistic loan sharks, particularly in the current climate.
“Loan sharks exploit the vulnerability of those already in financial difficulties and use predatory practices to collect the debts. These unpleasant individuals spell nothing but misery for those who borrow money from them so it’s vital, as a society, that we all remain vigilant to this activity.”
How to spot a loan shark and report illegal money lending
If you can answer yes to one or more of the questions below you might be borrowing from a loan shark:
- Did they offer you a cash loan?
- Did they not give you paperwork?
- Did they add huge amounts of interest or APR to your loan?
- Have they threatened you?
- Are you scared of people finding out?
- Have they taken your bank card, benefit card, passport, watch or other valuables from you?
Anyone wanting to report a loan shark can call the 24-hour confidential helpline on 0300 555 2222, text a report to 078600 22116 or complete an online report form.
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Victims of Crime
Nottinghamshire Victim Care are a support organisation independent of the police who have trained staff and volunteers who can offer free and confidential support in the following ways:
✔ Emotional Support in order to help you cope and recover from the crime
✔ Information on other support agencies
✔ Advice on Crime Prevention
✔ Restorative contact between victim and offender
The service can be accessed free six days a week, Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on 0800 3047575
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