Good News Story

Mr Z had problems using his post office card to draw his benefits. He used the wrong pin which resulted in the card being ‘blocked’. The client could speak little English and had been without benefits for a few weeks. Our Somali speaking advocate was able to talk to the client in his language. The advocate contacted the Post Office Customer Service who advised her to write to them. The advocate wrote to them. Shortly afterwards the client received his new card and pin number. This is an example of a relatively small problem which can cause a big impact on a person; in this case, being without money for weeks.

At Burngreave Advocacy Now, we get many clients with the barrier of English language that needs help with communication through our advocates’ use of community languages and interpreters. In addition we actively encourage and support our clients to get onto English/ESOL classes.

We, at Burngreave Advocacy Now, can assist by:

• Helping you to access the services you need.

• Going to meetings/appointments with you.

• Reading and writing letters with you.

• Providing language support.

• Negotiating with services.

• Helping to fill in forms.

• Being a voice for people in powerless situations, to protect their rights.

Group Advocacy Session

Burngreave Advocacy Now arranges a group session once a month to empower residents with information about other services that may improve the quality of their lives and to impart self advocacy skills.

Burngreave Support Network Meetings

Burngreave Advocacy Now organizes a quarterly meeting to facilitate an opportunity for organizations to share information about their services, to share good practice and to network.

The next network meeting will be held on Wednesday 19th November from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Forum House, 35 Spital Hill, Sheffield, S4 7LD.

Click here to download minutes of the last network meeting

If you would like more information about these meetings then please contact us.

Click here to download our Annual Review 07 -08