A brand new information and support service has been launched by Ryde Town Council.
Here to Help is to be based at Ryde Library and will offer support, reassurance and a helping hand to local residents all in one place.
Ryde Town Council Mayor, Richard May, says:
“With over £50 million in unclaimed benefits on the Isle of Wight, we want to ensure local people don’t miss out on support that could significantly improve their well-being. This service is here to help residents access those benefits and provide real, on-the-ground assistance to anyone in need.
“Locating this new service at Ryde Library makes total sense as it’s already such an important information hub for the town where people know they can find help for a variety of issues.”
Some of the key areas in which Here to Help will be offering assistance include:
- Interpretation & Explanation: Help users understand paperwork and official communications.
- Managing Documentation: Assist with completing forms, applications, and organising paperwork.
- Accessing Information: Facilitate access to online resources and provide clear, written information.
- Supportive Listening: Offer sympathetic, empathetic listening without judgment.
- Empowerment & Confidence Building: Encourage autonomy by building confidence, reducing paperwork anxiety, and fostering independence.
Keith Sheldrake, Service Manager says:
“If you are feeling a bit stuck with paperwork or struggling to access services online then I can promise that you’re not alone! Our local drop-in service offers free, friendly, and informal chats.
Article continues below this advertisement “Whether you would like help with understanding post, applying for benefits, or just need reassurance that you’re on the right track, we’re here to listen and walk you through every step.
“If we can’t help we’ll make sure to connect you with someone who can. Whatever the problem, drop by, grab a cup of tea, and let’s make sense of it together. No problem is too small!”
The service operates from Ryde Library at the following times:
- Monday 10:00 – 15:00
- Tuesday 09:30 – 15:30
- Friday 09:30 – 13:30
- First Wednesday of each month 17:00 – 19:00
- First Saturday of each month 10:00 – 12:00
Great idea.
It’s a shame with the amount of Civil Servants etc employed
by the Government, they don’t automatically send people what they
are entitled too.
Many persons, including the elderly have no idea what they can
claim for.
So well done to this excellent service, can persons
living in other parts of the Island visit!
This is what I was thinking when I read the article.
‘over £50 million in unclaimed benefits on the Isle of Wight’
Surely, if they KNOW that there’s over £50 million unclaimed, they must know who is not claiming otherwise how do they know that all this money hasn’t been claimed?
More proof we are being run by rogues,
they are quick to increase and take our
Council Taxes etc. Yet are slow coming
forward to give people what they are entitled
to.
I will never vote for anyone again, since
2020 I have been shown how corrupt
Politicians and Councils are!.