Other Sources of Help
People involved in all of DCP’s projects are often approached by people needing help or advice. We don’t have the answers for everyone’s questions, but we may be able to point someone in the right direction to find help with their particular situation. This is often called signposting. Knowing the right organisation to signpost people to can be tricky, on this page you will find some useful suggestions.
Advice in County Durham
Advice in County Durham gives information about the main organisations in County Durham providing advice and services, their website pulls together lots of different sources of advice and lists them by theme. One of these agencies will be able to help in most situations.
Turn2Us
Turn2Us is a charity that helps people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help. Their website is free and easy to use and contains useful resources and tools, such as a Benefits Calculator and Grants search.
EntitledTo
EntitledTo is another useful website for benefits information. It has its own, easy to use, benefits calculator and you can even complete better off calculations to see how your income would change in work.
Citizens Advice County Durham
CACD is available to help people with Debt and Energy problems across the country. They have a simple contact form accessed via their website for residents needing help with Debt and Energy queries or they can be contacted directly by telephone on 03003231000. The local number for the Citizens Advice Fuel Team is 01919338058 if you need to contact them specifically.
There are also volunteer lead general advice sessions, please refer to their website for up-to-date opening days, times and locations.
Durham County Council
Durham County Council provides a range of services for the people of County Durham including advice on Benefits, help for homeless people, carers, children and young people, older people, people with physical and learning disabilities, people with mental health problems and victims of domestic violence. Links to all of their services can be found on their website.
AgeUK
AgeUK aims to help people 50 years old + to make the most of later life. They do this by inspiring, supporting and enabling in a number of ways. Services offered in County Durham include: Health Promotion, Housing Advice, Lunch Club and other social activities, Information & Advice, learning opportunities and Therapeutic Services.
Mind
Mind is there to make sure no one has to face mental health difficulties alone. Mind Infoline provides information on a range of topics including: types of mental health problem, where to get help, medication and alternative treatments, advocacy. They will look for details of help and support in your own area. The Infoline is open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and can be contacted by phone on 0300 123 3393, text 86463 or email info@mind.org.uk.
Karbon Homes
Karbon Homes provide advice on eligibility and how to appeal decisions related to benefit entitlement plus support throughout the process including preparing and submitting documentation. They can be contacted by phone on 01912 238525 or email moneymatters@karbonhomes.co.uk
Groundworks
Provide a specialist telephony healthcare referral pathway for patients attending primary care unit/pharmacy. Clients receive general advice and guidance including assistance with claim forms and referrals into community advice and support. They also provide free, impartial, and confidential advice via a multi-channel offer, including assistance with claim forms. They can be contacted by phone on 0330 4416515 or email adviceline@groundwork.org.uk
Groundworks North East will also be offering an appointment service at locations across the county. Full details of the dates, times and venues that appointments can be booked can be found on their website.