Advice E-Newsletter , June 2011

Poverty  and social exclusion:

Information about poverty in UK

The Department for Work and Pensions has published the latest set of information about poverty in UK, Households Below Average Income: An analysis of the income distribution 1994/95 - 2008/09. The figures show that there are currently 3.9 million children in the UK growing up in poverty, a fall of 100,000 in the past year and 600,000 over the last decade.

http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/hbai/hbai_2009/pdf_files/full_hbai10.pdf

Poverty pathways: ethnic minority women's livelihoods

Ethnic minority women are amongst the poorest and most socially excluded people in the UK. Yet very little is known about their lives, or how to lift them out of poverty. Mainstream approaches simply do not see these women or their needs.

http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/documents/Povertypathways.pdf

Joseph Rowntree Foundation Publishes Report on Poverty and Social Exclusion

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the New Policy Institute recently published their thirteenth annual ‘Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion’ report on poverty and social exclusion in the United Kingdom.  Follow this link for further information and downloads: 

http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/monitoring-poverty-2010

‘Children in Care Councils’ Report

London Councils Publishes Research on 'Children in Care Councils' London Councils has recently published the report of research they had commissioned into ‘Children in Care Councils’, which provide opportunities for children in the care of a local authority to discuss and comment on care services.  Follow this link for further information and downloads:

http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/policylobbying/children/incare/default.htm

Grants

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/grants_search/search_by_topic.aspx?gclid=CNy0mOae76sCFcIe4QodWXl2IA

Asylum and Immigration:

Refugee Council report on understanding why asylum seekers come to the UK

Refugee Council has commissioned a research investigating the decisions made by asylum seekers who come to the UK and examines the extent to which these decisions are a reflection of chance or choice. The research was undertaken by Professor Heaven Crawley, Director of the Centre for Migration Policy Research at the University of Swansea. To see the report go to: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/policy/position/2010/18jan2010

Finding a place to live – your council and housing association options

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Councilandhousingassociationhomes/Findingsomewhere/DG_188604

Important changes to Housing Benefit

There are important changes to Local Housing Allowance from April 2011. These changes will affect people getting Housing Benefit, who pay rent to a private landlord.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_192415

Apply for a council home

If you’re looking for a place to live, a council property could be the answer – although you’ll probably have to wait for one. Find out who is eligible for council housing, how to apply, how councils decide who gets housing and where to get housing advice.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Councilandhousingassociationhomes/Councilhousing/DG_188701

Changes to Income Support for lone parents

Your entitlement to Income Support may stop when your child reaches a certain age, if you are only claiming it because you are a lone parent. However you may be entitled to other benefits and support.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_175842

Benefits if you are ill or disabled – changes you need to know about

Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance and Income Support paid because of illness or disability are being phased out. If you get one of these benefits your claim will be reviewed to see if you’re capable of work or can get other benefits. Find out how your claim will be reviewed.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_188859

Lawyers urge for support for destitute asylum seekers

Applications for a judicial review have been made to The High Court, urging them to bring forward a decision on providing support for asylum seekers who are destitute. This action was taken by lawyers as asylum seekers have to travel to Liverpool to give fresh evidence on their claims. Since October last year, failed asylum seekers who want to submit fresh evidence to a claim made before 5 March 2007 must travel to Liverpool in person. They were previously able to provide their evidence by post. The High Court is said to be looking into whether the procedure is legal before a carrying out a judicial review of whether destitute people who want to make fresh claims should be given section 4 support, which gives failed asylum seekers accommodation and a small amount of financial help. The judicial review on whether the system is legal has been planned for October 2010.

To read more see: http://www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/legal/lawyers-want-court-ruling-on-section-4-support-fast-tracked/6510065.article

Asylum seekers survive on as little as £10 a week

As asylum seekers can't work or claim benefits and some have nowhere to live, their only means of survival is one £10 food voucher a week. Four failed asylum seekers tell their desperate stories.

To read more see: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jun/16/asylum-seekers-survive-on-streets

or http://www.u.tv/News/The-asylum-seekers-who-survive-on-%C2%A310-a-week/e8d10f02-a0be-466c-8920-5a3dce035782

Consumer rights

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Consumerrights/index.htm

http://www.oft.gov.uk/consumer-advice/oft-and-cd/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/consumer_advice/

Parenting:

Bringing Up Britain videos on BBC Three - stories from the frontline of parenthood

http://www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/

Parenting UK

Parenting UK is a national membership body for the parenting workforce, promoting parenting support, keeping you informed, sharing best practice and representing your views

http://www.parentinguk.org/

What is the Criminal Records Bureau

The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) helps employers in England and Wales make safer recruitment decisions. A number of roles, especially those involving children or vulnerable adults, are entitled to a criminal record check. Our aim is to help protect children and vulnerable adults by providing a first-class service to support organisations recruiting people into positions of trust.

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/crb/

Advice Guides:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index.htm

Guide to BME cancer resources January 2011

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Documents/HowWeCanHelp/Publications/BMEresourcesguide-January2011.pdf

Caring for Black and Minority Ethnic Children and Young People

A Guide for Foster Carers

http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/FC879103-C788-49DA-98D9-751F3C18CE25/0/Blackandethnicminorityfostering.pdf

Information for Black and minority ethnic voluntary and community organisations

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/communities/pdf/1281230.pdf

Guide to financial support for disabled people

There is a wide range of disability-related financial support, including benefits, tax credits, payments, grants and concessions. This is a general overview with links to detailed information

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/Introductiontofinancialsupport/DG_10020535

Childcare for a disabled child

When it comes to childcare for a disabled child, a lot of the considerations are the same as for any other child. There are a few extra things to think about, such as specialist training or a child's medical needs. Find out about different types of childcare

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/CaringForADisabledChild/DG_10027203

About Legal Aid

http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/about_legal_aid.asp

Legal aid information leaflets

http://www.legalservices.gov.uk/public/information_leaflets.asp

A Step-by-Step Guide to Legal Aid

http://www.lawcentres.org.uk/uploads/Step_by_Step_Guide_12.08_.pdf

Advice E-Newsletter , February 2011

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a benefit for people who have a limited capability for work because of a health condition or disability. ESA was introduced in October 2008 and replaces Incapacity Benefit and Income Support paid on incapacity grounds for new customers.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/international/benefits/employment-and-support/

Guide to financial support for disabled people

There is a wide range of disability-related financial support, including benefits, tax credits, payments, grants and concessions. This is a general overview with links to detailed information

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/Introductiontofinancialsupport/DG_10020535

Housing:

Finding a place to live – your council and housing association options

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Councilandhousingassociationhomes/Findingsomewhere/DG_188604

Apply for a council home

If you’re looking for a place to live, a council property could be the answer – although you’ll probably have to wait for one. Find out who is eligible for council housing, how to apply, how councils decide who gets housing and where to get housing advice.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Councilandhousingassociationhomes/Councilhousing/DG_188701

Benefits:

Changes to Income Support for lone parents

Your entitlement to Income Support may stop when your child reaches a certain age, if you are only claiming it because you are a lone parent. However you may be entitled to other benefits and support.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_175842

Benefits if you are ill or disabled – changes you need to know about

Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance and Income Support paid because of illness or disability are being phased out. If you get one of these benefits your claim will be reviewed to see if you’re capable of work or can get other benefits. Find out how your claim will be reviewed.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_188859

Childcare for a disabled child

When it comes to childcare for a disabled child, a lot of the considerations are the same as for any other child. There are a few extra things to think about, such as specialist training or a child's medical needs. Find out about different types of childcare

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/CaringForADisabledChild/DG_10027203

Immigration and Asylum

How do I apply for naturalisation as a British citizen?

To apply for naturalisation, you should use application form AN. Before you apply, you should ensure that you have read the section on eligibility. You must be aged 18 or over to apply for naturalisation. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/applying/applicationtypes/naturalisation/

What is the habitual residence test?

http://www.housing-rights.info/habitual-residence-test.html

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/pc10s-guide-to-pension-credit/people-who-have-come-to-great-britain/#habitual

Health:

Exploring the Attitudes and Behaviours of Bangladeshi, Indian and Jamaican Young People in Relation to Reproductive and Sexual Health

http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/b/briefing%205.pdf

ETHNICITY AND HEALTH

Black and minority ethnic (BME) groups generally have worse health than the overall population, although some BME groups fare much worse than others, and patterns vary from one health condition to the next. Evidence suggests that the poorer socio-economic position of BME groups is the main factor driving ethnic health inequalities. Several policies have aimed to tackle health inequalities in recent years, although to date, ethnicity has not been a consistent focus. This POSTnote reviews the evidence on ethnic health inequalities, the causes and policy options.

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/post/postpn276.pdf

Improving mental health support for refugee communities – an advocacy approach

The Refugee and asylum-seeker mental health advocacy project was developed to build a better understanding of the mental health concerns of refugees and asylum-seekers in England and to use these data to improve their ability to find pathways to appropriate mental health support. The core approach was to work with advocates from refugee community organisations to develop a robust form of mental health advocacy. This form of advocacy includes not only focused support for individuals, but also advocacy for the community as a whole. In the community function the aim was to create a dialogue with the community on issues of mental health (including stigma) and to engage with primary care trusts and other provider agencies to develop community-focused services

http://www.mind.org.uk/assets/0000/5696/Refugee_Report_1.pdf

A civilised society Mental health provision for refugees and asylum-seekers in England and Wales

http://www.mind.org.uk/assets/0000/5695/refugee_report_2.pdf

Inside Outside: Improving Mental Health Services for Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in England

This document sets out proposals for reforming the service experience and service outcome of people from black and minority ethnic groups who experience mental ill health and who come into contact with mental health services, as users or carers. The plans set out in this document also aim to improve the overall mental health of people from black and minority ethnic groups living in England. The main focus for change is the pervasive ethnic inequality that currently exists within mental health services. The central objective of this initiative is to reduce and eventually eradicate such disparities and, by doing so, make mental health services appropriate for and relevant to a multicultural society.

http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_4019452.pdf

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a benefit for people who have a limited capability for work because of a health condition or disability. ESA was introduced in October 2008 and replaces Incapacity Benefit and Income Support paid on incapacity grounds for new customers. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/international/benefits/employment-and-support/ Guide to financial support for disabled people There is a wide range of disability-related financial support, including benefits, tax credits, payments, grants and concessions. This is a general overview with links to detailed information http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/Introductiontofinancialsupport/DG_10020535 Housing: Finding a place to live – your council and housing association options http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Councilandhousingassociationhomes/Findingsomewhere/DG_188604 Apply for a council home If you’re looking for a place to live, a council property could be the answer – although you’ll probably have to wait for one. Find out who is eligible for council housing, how to apply, how councils decide who gets housing and where to get housing advice. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Councilandhousingassociationhomes/Councilhousing/DG_188701 Benefits: Changes to Income Support for lone parents Your entitlement to Income Support may stop when your child reaches a certain age, if you are only claiming it because you are a lone parent. However you may be entitled to other benefits and support. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_175842 Benefits if you are ill or disabled – changes you need to know about Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance and Income Support paid because of illness or disability are being phased out. If you get one of these benefits your claim will be reviewed to see if you’re capable of work or can get other benefits. Find out how your claim will be reviewed. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_188859 Childcare for a disabled child When it comes to childcare for a disabled child, a lot of the considerations are the same as for any other child. There are a few extra things to think about, such as specialist training or a child's medical needs. Find out about different types of childcare http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/CaringForADisabledChild/DG_10027203 Immigration and Asylum How do I apply for naturalisation as a British citizen? To apply for naturalisation, you should use application form AN. Before you apply, you should ensure that you have read the section on eligibility. You must be aged 18 or over to apply for naturalisation. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/britishcitizenship/applying/applicationtypes/naturalisation/ What is the habitual residence test? http://www.housing-rights.info/habitual-residence-test.html http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/pc10s-guide-to-pension-credit/people-who-have-come-to-great-britain/#habitual Health: Exploring the Attitudes and Behaviours of Bangladeshi, Indian and Jamaican Young People in Relation to Reproductive and Sexual Health http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/b/briefing%205.pdf ETHNICITY AND HEALTH Black and minority ethnic (BME) groups generally have worse health than the overall population, although some BME groups fare much worse than others, and patterns vary from one health condition to the next. Evidence suggests that the poorer socio-economic position of BME groups is the main factor driving ethnic health inequalities. Several policies have aimed to tackle health inequalities in recent years, although to date, ethnicity has not been a consistent focus. This POSTnote reviews the evidence on ethnic health inequalities, the causes and policy options. http://www.parliament.uk/documents/post/postpn276.pdf Improving mental health support for refugee communities – an advocacy approach The Refugee and asylum-seeker mental health advocacy project was developed to build a better understanding of the mental health concerns of refugees and asylum-seekers in England and to use these data to improve their ability to find pathways to appropriate mental health support. The core approach was to work with advocates from refugee community organisations to develop a robust form of mental health advocacy. This form of advocacy includes not only focused support for individuals, but also advocacy for the community as a whole. In the community function the aim was to create a dialogue with the community on issues of mental health (including stigma) and to engage with primary care trusts and other provider agencies to develop community-focused services http://www.mind.org.uk/assets/0000/5696/Refugee_Report_1.pdf A civilised society Mental health provision for refugees and asylum-seekers in England and Wales http://www.mind.org.uk/assets/0000/5695/refugee_report_2.pdf Inside Outside: Improving Mental Health Services for Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in England This document sets out proposals for reforming the service experience and service outcome of people from black and minority ethnic groups who experience mental ill health and who come into contact with mental health services, as users or carers. The plans set out in this document also aim to improve the overall mental health of people from black and minority ethnic groups living in England. The main focus for change is the pervasive ethnic inequality that currently exists within mental health services. The central objective of this initiative is to reduce and eventually eradicate such disparities and, by doing so, make mental health services appropriate for and relevant to a multicultural society.

http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_4019452.pdf