Past Projects

Debt Counsellor for Advice Centre

Blakenhall Advice Centre has been successful in obtaining a grant for over £40,000 to finance a Part-Time Debt Counsellor for the next three years. The post will add a much needed service to the centre, which has been running for the last 25 years and is an initiative of St. John’s Methodist Church, Dudley Road, Blakenhall.

The successful application, to Severn Trent Trust Fund, was made by Faith Regeneration Unit on behalf of the centre. It provides a half time salary (18.5hrs per week) for the Debt Counsellor, which FRU is currently in the process of recruiting. The Debt Counsellor will provide advice & support for people in Blakenhall and Parkfields (amongst the 10% most deprived wards in the UK) on financial matters such as how to gain control of their finances and planning for future financial stability. This will be achieved through outreach support, both face to face and over the telephone.

The centre offers advice on welfare and benefits for young & old alike, on matters including disability benefits. It is also an information point for members of the public to access services available to the community. Support is also provided to Asylum Seekers and Refugees - a translator is available for people whose first language is not English. A home visiting service is also provided for those people who are unable to attend the centre. Staff employed at the centre includes people from ethnic minority groups so as to reflect the diverse make up of the community.