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eastleigh.gov.uk
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Council funding helps Citizens Advice Bureau provide vital support Read Edina’s story Edina is a single parent and suffers with a physical health condition that affects her mobility and her mental health. She gave up working a year ago as a result of her health and has been receiving Job Seekers Allowance since then. Edina felt the need to contact Citizens Advice Eastleigh following a decision by the Department for Work & Pensions to considerably reduce her disability benefits. She met with a Citizens Advice caseworker to assist her in appealing against the decision to end her disability benefit following the roll out of welfare benefit reforms; the end of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and the introduction of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The significant reduction in income was affecting her family life in a negative way and causing her additional stress. The caseworker was able to help understand the paperwork, gather evidence and prepare a statement ready for submitting to the Tribunal. The outcome of the appeal meant that Edina returned to her financial position before the PIP assessment. After over a year of managing on a reduced income, she also received a backdated payment. Although it took nine months for the appeal hearing to conclude, she now receives the financial support she is entitled to thanks to the help of the Citizens Advice team. Find out more: citizensadviceeastleigh.org.uk
EASTLEIGH’S
SWITCH-ON
Steering mums down the road to cycling confidence A new mother and toddler cycling project has been launched at Places Leisure Eastleigh with funding specifically aimed at encouraging the number of women cycling, and at the same time encouraging more women in the Borough to get physically active. Following a successful joint bid with Southampton City Council to the Department of Transport Sustainable Travel Transition Year and a fiveweek pilot, the Council has won funding for adult bikes, children’s trailers and helmets. There are also plans for long-term storage and to extend the project to other sites in the Borough, which will help to make the equipment accessible to everyone.
The scheme gives parents a chance to try cycling in a safe environment, using the dedicated off-road cycle track around Fleming Park. It also offers a social and supportive way to build their confidence to take up cycling again.
Sign up for a five week course at: eastleigh.gov.uk/activity-programmes
Help for rough sleepers AND FUN DAY
SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2019 Light parade led by Father Christmas starts at 5.15pm Switching on Christmas lights at 6pm Followed by a FREE, fabulous firework display!
11am - 7pm, Eastleigh Town Centre
EastleighBC
Mums and tots pedal their way to health
During the winter months, rough sleepers are at increased risk of harm and potentially death. Our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol ensures help and shelter is offered to rough sleepers during periods of severe weather. We work closely with our homeless outreach service, Two Saints, to respond quickly to any reports. By trying to engage with rough sleepers, we can offer tailored advice, assistance and support to resolve homelessness and address any additional needs they may have. If you become aware of someone sleeping rough it is important to let us know so that we can try to offer help. You can report in the following ways: ia StreetLink 0300 500 0914 or v streetlink.org.uk direct to the Council 023 8068 8000 or housing@eastleigh.gov.uk
Please provide as much information as possible including: • location of the rough sleeper • date and time the rough sleeper was seen at the location • description of the rough sleeper (gender, age, clothing, distinguishing features)
Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/housing
