Seek help this January with free advice services

Wed, January 18, 2017

Advice services based throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens are urging people to seek help with their problems this New Year.

After the excitement and excesses of Christmas, January can be a difficult month.  If you have a problem or are in need of advice, there is an organisation in your area that can help.

The advice services operate free of charge to the public, with advisors on hand to offer guidance on a range of issues including debt, employment, consumer issues, tax and housing.

But it's issues surrounding welfare benefits which most people seek help about, accounting for approximately 65% of all enquiries.

Clients often present with heart-breaking stories with many saying the guidance they receive has saved their lives.

Speaking about the facility, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey, said: “I would urge anyone in need of advice to make use of this facility, which is provided free of charge. The public can be assured they are benefiting from a confidential service which is entirely impartial. We are pleased to be in a position to support this local service which is dedicated to assisting our communities. The advice organisations across the Borough provide an invaluable service by helping local people find a way forward whatever problem they face. We cannot underestimate the difference they make to the lives of local people.”

This New Year, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is calling on people to take the first step and ask for help.

Citizens Advice Causeway 

Citizens Advice Causeway is based in Coleraine at the CRUN Building on Brook Street while outreach services are also provided in Ballymoney, Ballycastle, Bushmills and Cushendall.

The Coleraine office is open five days per week, along with a late evening opening every Thursday.

Advice can be offered over the telephone by ringing 028 7034 4817.

Every Monday, from 9.15am to 11.15am, the service’s outreach session operates in Bushmills Community Centre.

In Ballycastle, the service operates from Sheskburn House every Monday afternoon from 12.30pm to 4pm, on the second, third and fourth Tuesday of every month from 10am to 11.30am and 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm.  Friday afternoons are for pre-arranged appointments only.

In Cushendall, outreach sessions are held on outreach sessions are held on the first Tuesday of each month in the Old Schoolhouse from 10am to 11.30am and 12.30pm to 4pm.

Outreach sessions are held in Ballymoney Town Hall every Monday from 2pm to 4pm and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.15am to 11.30am and 12.30pm to 5pm. Thursday afternoons are for pre-arranged appointments only.

Limavady Community Development Initiative

This month, Limavady Community Development Initiative’s Advice Centre and its main reception area are moving to the opposite side of the old hospital building in Limavady. The new space will provide fresh offices for staff and a dedicated client self-help area in the waiting room.

Advisors can be contacted by ringing 028 777 65438 and pressing "1" for Advice, where they will can speak to you by telephone or make an appointment to see you in person.

The telephone Advice Line service is open to deal with all your advice queries from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Wednesday, 9.30am to 7pm every Thursday and 9.30am to 3.30pm every Friday.

The Advice Centre operates an outreach scheme in community centres in rural and outlying areas of the former Limavady Borough. Outreach schedules can vary so check the Facebook page or give them a call to enquire when they will next be in your area. LCDI also operates a drop in triage service on Monday and Thursday mornings between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

Further advice services are also available in Dungiven through Glenshane Community Development Group.

The advisors, based in Glenshane House on Main Street, have a wealth of experience and offer both a drop-in and telephone service along with pre-booked appointments. 

Home visits are available for those confined to their homes.

The service is open from 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday and appointments can be made by ringing 028 777 42494. 

These organisations are contracted by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, with the help of financial assistance through the Department for Communities Community Support Programme.