We’re celebrating a new partnership with our friends at Reading Welfare Rights who offer support and advice to people every Friday from Launchpad 135, our work and life skills centre.
“We’re working towards more of an outreach model rather than be based in one place,” said Abby, a policy officer at the charity.
“We need to go to people, rather than make them come to us and we work in other areas of Reading too.”
Abby has already supported several Launchpad clients, mainly with benefit issues, but anyone can visit her at Launchpad 135 on a Friday (book in if you can – details below).
“People can get muddled with their claims, whether it’s what they are entitled to or making sense of their financial state.
“When you have been homeless or have had a difficult time in your life, financial issues and form filling can be a scary prospect, especially when you have lost confidence.
“We’re a good fit with Launchpad as we seek to empower people to build their confidence in these areas and have the time to show them what to do and how to do it.”
Abby said the stereotype of people wanting to claim benefits rather than work is tired and outdated.
“From our experience, most people are desperate to work, but for whatever reason are unable to, and if that is the case then they are entitled to benefits.
“We help with disability claims the most; these can be complicated, and the forms are the same for someone with PTSD as opposed to someone who cannot work because of a cancer diagnosis.
“There is also an epidemic of mental health issues, and everyone’s claim is going to be different – it isn’t a one size fits all and we can help.
“Remarkably it is estimated that around £15billion of benefits are go unclaimed each year, so if you think you might be entitled, we can check this.
“If and when claims are turned down, people can lose hope. But there is an appeals process, which we can help with and around one in seven claims that reach appeal stage are overturned at a tribunal.
“We are a small team but want to be more visible in Reading and hope we can support more people. We are thrilled with our partnership with Launchpad.”
Sian, Team Leader at 135, said: “We are opening Launchpad 135 to more external sources which compliment our work in empowering people to live valuable and independent lives.”
Reading Welfare Rights are at Launchpad 135 on Cardiff Road, just a short walk from the train station, every Friday between 11am and 4pm. It’s best to book in first if you can by emailing advisor@readingspecialist.co.uk
