Hendon Town Hall
From this week, Barnet Council is partnering with a specialist debt relief organisation called Sigma to support 500 of our most financially vulnerable residents to maximise the benefits they’re claiming and put debt management strategies in place.
From today until the end of the month, Sigma’s ReachOut programme will be contacting over 500 residents by phone to talk through their individual circumstances and find solutions. This could involve anything from referring to our partner charities and organisations that provide free grants, to signposting to employment and training support.
As part of our ongoing ‘Money Worries?’ campaign to help residents tackle cost of living issues, they will also be promoting the use of our award-winning Financial Calculator to check if residents are entitled to additional benefits.
Councillor Zahra Beg, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Poverty Reduction and the Voluntary and Community Sector, said: “This time of year is often when people most feel the pinch of the cost of living pressures that affect us all. Following a pilot last year, which saw the ReachOut programme helping some of our most financially vulnerable residents, I’m pleased that we’ve been able to expand it this year.
“This programme is aimed at helping residents to help themselves, with the support of a range of local charities and organisations. As part of our ‘Money Worries?’ approach, we are putting schemes in place that can make a real difference to our residents’ lives, and their pockets.”
Sometimes, the council may ask ReachOut to contact residents directly to see if they can help. We cover their fees, so you don't have to pay anything, and we do this because we care. If you haven’t been contacted by ReachOut but need support, please use our Financial Calculator to find out what help you may be eligible for.