A4A Fact Sheets
Fact sheets to download from Advice 4 All. These are available both in colour and black & white and are intended for advice workers to use with clients to give them more information about the support available from different organisations for that subject.
Most documents are in PDF format, you can download the PDF reader free from www.adobe.com
Fact Sheet 1: Debt
Everyone struggles with money at some point, but the answer is to find an agency that can support you. This leaflet is available to show you what help is available.
Fact Sheet 2: Mental Health
It can be frightening to feel anxious and depressed. It can be really distressing to see a loved one become unwell. Where do you go for help at such times?
Fact Sheet 3: Credit Unions
A good alternative source of borrowing to the banks, building societies and door-step lenders are credit unions, especially if you are living on a low income! Credit unions were established to provide straightforward and affordable financial services for their members. Credit unions have their roots in the community they serve.
Fact Sheet 4: Jobseeking
A variety of specialist support is readily available, and much of it is free and confidential.
Fact Sheet 5: Welfare Benefits
Understanding the welfare benefit system is not easy as the range of available benefits, where to access them and whether you are entitled to them, is extremely complex. We will summarise below but not all benefits are listed although we have tried to include all the more usual ones. Almost all assume a low income and/or depend on your having worked and made National Insurance Contributions or you are suffering ill health.
Fact Sheet 6: Alcohol and Drugs
Are you concerned about your own or someone else’s alcohol or drug use? Information, advice and support is available.
Fact Sheet 7: Energy Efficiency
There is financial help available if you’re planning to make energy saving improvements in your home. Every homeowner in Plymouth is entitled to discounts on energy efficiency measures. Those who are in receipt of certain benefits may be entitled to free insulation or a grant towards the cost of heating and insulation. The Government, energy suppliers and local authorities all provide grants to help you implement energy saving measures in your home. For advice on all aspects of saving energy or for more information on anything in this fact sheet, you can contact the Devon Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512012.
Fact Sheet 8: Consumer Rights
How much do you know about your legal rights as a consumer? Who should you tell if you are the victim of a scam or rogue trader? Where would you turn for advice if you had a dispute with a trader? Who could you inform if you knew about a trader involved in illegal trading activities?
Fact Sheet 9: Employment
For people seeking advice or support about an employment issue. Most of the information below is written with worker or employee in mind but employers will also find the information relevant.
Fact Sheet 10: Mortgage Rescue
Everyone struggles to pay their bills sometimes. Perhaps your hours have been cut or your partner has lost their job? This leaflet is available to show you how Plymouth City Council is helping.
Fact Sheet 11: Housing
The law relating to housing rights is complex and if you do the wrong thing you could lose your home. You might not be aware of your rights, which, if enforced could considerably improve your situation. It is therefore important that you get proper advice.
Fact Sheet 12: Fuel Poverty
Many of us are struggling to pay our energy bills and heat our homes. There is help available to everyone. Below are some agencies in Plymouth who can support you and help you to save money.
Fact Sheet 13: Support for Older People
Do you want to stay independent? What help is available? How can you meet with others?
Fact Sheet 14: Service and Ex-Service Personnel
Are you serving in HM Forces? Have you served in HM Forces? Do you need advice?There is help available. Click on the factsheet link below, and gain access to some of the agencies in Plymouth, who can offer you the support you need.
Fact Sheet 15: Leukaemia
For those suffering from Leukaemia or similar blood-related disorders, and also their families. We offer generalist and legal advice, and assistance with any debt and/or benefit issues.
Fact Sheet 16: Carers
Do you help out a member of the family, a friend or neighbour who is elderly, ill or has a disability? You may not have realised that you are a 'carer'. You could be entitled to support and help from a number of agencies in Plymouth. There is a wide range of services designed to meet your needs as a carer, and you may be entitled to a carer's assessment.
Fact Sheet 17: Occupational Benevolent Funds
Are you employed or have you been? Do you need financial help through no fault of your own? Did you know that many occupations have a benevolent fund attached to them that may be able to help you?
Maybe you are a gardener or a bank clerk, a teacher, farmer or shop assistant, whatever your occupation there may be a benevolent fund that wants to help you.
Fact Sheet 18: Faith and Cultures
"You can only be safe and secure in a society that practises tolerance, cherishes harmony and can celebrate difference". Rabbi Hugo Gryn.
Want to find out about Beliefs, Faiths and Culture? Plymouth has a population of 250,700 with a growing Black and Ethnic Minority population (6%) which brings a wealth of diversity in the city, ranging from the RESPECT Festival to a joint Diwali and Eid Event, Pride, Refugee Week, Chinese and Kurdish New Years to name but a few. There are over 75 first languages spoken in the city. The main languages are Kurdish, Portuguese, Arabic, French, Czech, Polish, Chinese, Farsi, Bengali and Turkish. The more common faiths are Christian, Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan and Sikh.
Fact Sheet 19
This Factsheet is currently under development.Fact Sheet 20: Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual
This factsheet includes contact details for organisations working locally to support the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans community. The organisations offer support on discrimination issues, sexual health advice, and youth work.