Advice
Our Advice Service offers confidential support to individuals facing challenges with welfare benefits, housing, unemployment and the rising cost of living. Whilst the service is open to anyone within the North Birmingham area, we are dedicated to helping those most vulnerable in our community—especially those with disabilities, those digitally excluded or people who lack confidence and may find it difficult to engage with mainstream services.
We specialise in supporting individuals and families with:
Benefits Support
We offer expert guidance to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances, helping you to navigate the statutory welfare benefits system during times of change, such as a change in health or personal circumstances.
Our support is designed to help you understand the support available and make appropriate applications as well as offer advice and guidance in relation to the extra support on offer from other services.
Exploring Your Options for Support
We can help you understand the different types of benefits and give practical assistance where available, such as applying for Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Disability Benefits, and other support that may help you manage your situation more effectively
Support with Benefit Applications
Whether you’re applying for the first time or reapplying after a change in your circumstances, we’ll guide you through the application process, ensuring you provide all the necessary information about your situation enabling a full and fair assessment of your circumstances.
Support with Benefit Appeals and Reconsiderations
If your benefits have been refused or reduced and you have relevant information to challenge this decision, we can help you assess whether you need to complete a Mandatory Reconsideration or appealing the decision may be an option.
*Please note that we can only support appeals if we assisted with your initial application or if you completed it independently and have a copy of your submission.
Housing Support
We provide guidance on a range of housing-related matters to help you navigate your options and manage your living situation effectively.
Communicating with Landlords
We can guide you on how to approach landlords about repairs or maintenance issues, including drafting request letters.
Please note: We are unable to provide advice on lease agreements, emergency accommodation, or eviction support.
Managing Housing Costs
We offer support in reviewing your household outgoings, providing energy-saving advice or helping to access discretionary benefits that may help with housing-related costs.
Understanding Housing Options
We can provide information on the different types of housing available, which include social housing, private rentals, and supported accommodation, as well as the criteria for social housing and how to apply.
For legal housing matters, please seek assistance from:
- Shelter
- Birmingham City Council Private Renters helpline telephone: 0121 303 5070
- Birmingham City Council Private Renters helpline email: prs@birmingham.gov.uk
- Central England Law centre
Cost of Living Support
We understand that managing everyday expenses can be challenging, especially during times of change. Our team provides practical support to help you stay on top of your finances and access available resources.
Financial Assistance & Additional Support
We can guide you in applying for grants, local funding, and other financial support that may be available due to health conditions, caring responsibilities, or changes in your household.
Budgeting & Money Management
We offer practical help with creating a manageable budget, reviewing household outgoings, and identifying ways to reduce costs.
Accessing Support Schemes
We can help you explore social tariffs, utility discounts, and other cost-saving initiatives to ease financial pressures.
Community Navigator Support
Our Community Navigator Support is designed to provide personalised, ongoing help for individuals facing long-term or complex challenges. Whether you need support with independent living, navigating health and social care systems, or are a family needing guidance through difficult situations, we can help by providing a step-by-step approach and linking you in with the specialist services and professionals you need.
We also host monthly social gatherings in North Birmingham, providing a safe space for individuals to meet others in similar situations providing a peer support network and social opportunity.
Contact our Advice Service team
Email: Adviceservice@ourplacesupport.org
Call: 0121 354 40 80
