Craigavon road show 23 - 25 March 2011

Road show to support older and vulnerable people in Craigavon

A road show to inform older and vulnerable people about benefit entitlements and the dangers of carbon monoxide will take place at Tesco Extra Craigavon from 23 to 25 March.

The event has been organised by Access to Benefits, Land & Property Services and the Warm Homes Scheme in association with Tesco Extra Craigavon.

On 23 and 25 March, drop in between 10am and 4pm to learn about help with paying your rates, access to benefits and assistance with your home energy bills. On 24 March representatives from Craigavon Borough Council Environmental Health Department and Southern Group Environmental Health Committee will be in store to provide information about keeping safe from carbon monoxide.

Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson is encouraging people to go along and see what is on offer: The current economic climate is putting real financial pressure on everyone and in particular, many of our more vulnerable citizens. This road show is a practical way of reaching people who may not be aware of the benefits and services available to them.”

Access to Benefits, Outreach/Community Development Officer, Hilary Doherty commented: We work to help older people across Northern Ireland maximise their take-up of benefit entitlements. Events like this play a vital role in connecting older people with the services provided by participating agencies and are only made possible thanks to organisations like Tesco who allow us to stage events on their premises.”

Land & Property Services (LPS), Outreach Officer, Stuart Young explains the various rate reliefs people can avail of: The Lone Pensioner Allowance entitles pensioners aged 70 or over who live alone, to a 20% discount in their rate bill. People on low incomes, including pensioners, may be eligible for a reduction in their rates through the Housing Benefit and Rate Relief scheme. There is also an entitlement to a 25% reduction in rates for households where the property has been suitably adapted to meet the needs of a resident disabled person. Craigavon residents wanting to find out more about LPS services can also visit our local office, Marlborough House located at Central Way, Tamnafiglassan.”

Louise Magee, Referral Manager from Bryson Charitable Group who deliver the Warm Homes Scheme in the Craigavon area outlined the help they can provide: Under the Warm Homes Scheme, home owners and private tenants who are on a qualifying benefit can have a range of insulation measures installed and, where no oil or gas heating system already exists, a new heating system.”

Jean Dawson, Home Safety Officer, Southern Group Environmental Health Committee commented: I will be on hand to offer shoppers vital advice and guidance on carbon monoxide, by focusing on the dangers as well as the simple steps for safety and prevention in homes, key symptoms and where to seek help and advice. Widely known as the ‘silent killer’, gas, oil and solid fuels such as coal and wood can all produce Carbon Monoxide.  Steps to keep households safe include fitting audible Carbon Monoxide alarms, servicing appliances, sweeping chimney flues regularly, insuring you room is adequately ventilated and knowing the signs”.