Notice on behalf of the NCAN Steering Group agencies (Age UK Norwich, Age UK Norfolk, Norfolk Citizen’s Advice, Diss and Thetford Citizens Advice, Equal Lives, MAP, Norfolk Community Law Service, Shelter)
In response to COVID-19 and in accordance with the Government’s recommendations we are reacting as appropriately as possible by taking seriously the health and wellbeing of staff, volunteers and the people who need our help. We are adapting to this difficult situation and are continuing to work together in partnership to ensure that people can access quality information, advice, and specialist legal help. We are concerned about the social and financial impact this unprecedented situation will have on people’s lives, and that many will be pushed into or further into poverty. The full knock on effects are yet to be seen but we predict that there will be an increase in people needing advice and support due to a number of factors including loss of wages, increased debts, relationship breakdowns, potential evictions and homelessness.
Below is a summary of the current service provision from our individual organisations. If anything changes we will share as widely as possible.
| Charity | Telephone | Email/Web Chat/Referral System | Face-to-face |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age UK Norwich | Advice line remains open: 01603 496333. | Referral System currently open. enquiries@ageuknorwich.org.uk | Suspended. |
| Age UK Norfolk | Advice line remains open: 0300 500 1217. Money Matters service will contacting each client to check needs. | Referral System currently open. advice@ageuknorfolk.org.uk | Suspended. |
| Shelter | Advice line remains open: 03445151860. | Referral System currently open. norfolk@shelter.org.uk | Office and face-to-face appointments suspended. For the Pathways project two staff members will be conducting 2 hours a day street outreach. |
| Equal Lives | Telephone line remains open: 01508491210 | Referral System currently open. info@equallives.org.uk | Suspended |
| MAP | Telephone line remains open: 01603 766994 | Referral System currently open. info@map.uk.net | Drop in advice service remains open but screenings will be conducted at the door and strict hygiene procedures in place. |
| Norfolk Community Law Service | Telephone line remains open and advice will be provided via telephone when possible: 01603 496623 | Referral System currently open. info@ncls.co.uk | Suspended. |
| Diss and Thetford Citizens Advice | Telephone line remains open: 03444 111 444. | Email, webchat, Skype and phones will be available. Referral System currently open. https://www.cadat.org.uk/email-advice/ | Suspended. |
| Norfolk Citizens Advice | Telephone line remains open: 03444 111 444. For Universal Credit ‘Help to Claim’ contact 0800 1448444 | Referral System currently open. www.ncab.org.uk and click ‘email advice’. Webchat available. | Suspended. |
The Norfolk Community Advice Network (NCAN) is made up of accredited and affiliate member organisations, including social welfare advice agencies and the wider voluntary, public and private sectors.
Through partnership working we are pleased to have built a strong, effective and inclusive network of advice agencies. We aim to continue to:
- Improve access to free, high-quality social welfare advice.
- Ensure quality and best practice.
- Enhance partnership working and collaboration.
- Identify and reduce gaps in provision.
- Provide strategic and policy expertise.