lovemiddlesbrough-magazine-spring-2015 (2)

Help athandReport a Loan SharkLoan sharks are illegal moneylenderswho often charge very high interestrates. You can check if a company isauthorised to lend money and reportloan sharks anonymously.To check if a lender is registeredyou can search the FinancialServices Register for companies andindividuals authorised by the FinancialConduct Authority (FCA).FCA - consumer.queries@fca.org.ukTelephone: 0800 111 6768Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pmSaturday, 9am to 1pmIf you spot a loan shark or you’veborrowed money from one you canreport them anonymously.Illegal Money Lending Teamreportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.ukTelephone: 0300 555 222224-hour serviceText LOAN SHARK and the lender’s detailsto 60003. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Library ServicesThe Council’s Library Service providesaccess to computers. Staff aretrained to help you make use of thecomputers and can direct you to sitesthat could help you with your finances.For details contact 01642 729002Five LampsWelfare Rights UnitFive Lamps is a community focused The Council’s Welfare Rights Unitcharity that delivers an integrated range provide free and confidential adviceof social, economic and financial and assistance relating to welfareinclusion services within which it seeks to benefits & tax credits.transform lives, raise aspiration, remove You can arrange to speak to an adviserbarriers and offer choice.at any of the following venues by contactingour daily advice line on 01642 729242If you are worried about money orare having problems with doorstep Mornings 9am - 12noon held at:lenders, they can help. They have Newlands Medical Centre - Mondaya dedicated Financial InclusionCleveland Health Centre - TuesdayTeam who may be able to offer you Coulby Medical Practice - ThursdayMartonside Medical Centre - Fridayan affordable personal loan withpayments that suit your finances. Afternoons 1pm - 4pm held at:Mon. Acklam Green Ctr, Whinney Banks.Telephone: (01642) 608316Tues. Oakfields Medical Practice.Email: info@fivelamps.org.ukThurs. WMNT Resource Ctr, Meath Street.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fri. Crossfell Health Centre.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Have your say on landlordsResidents and landlords are beingconsulted on the creation of a landlordMacmillan Cancer Supportlicensing scheme in North Ormesby.and Information Centre -Selective Licensing aims to improveJames Cook University Hospitalstandards of property managementHaving a diagnosis of cancer can be in the private rented sector and toexpensive. You may incur extra costs help bring about improved social andfor heating or travel or you may not economic conditions. If introduced, allbe able to work.private rented properties will have to belicensed by the Council.If you are a cancer patient or carerand would like further information on The licence holder will have to meetbenefits, debt management or any other certain ‘fit and proper person’ criteria inaspect of finance then please drop in ororder to obtain a licence.phone the centre on 01642 835674.Consultation is currently underwayThey also have access to a Macmillan and runs until March 23.Benefit Adviser who can advise and Visit middlesbrough.gov.uk/slc orsupport you with claims, form filling, email your views toappeals and Macmillan Grants.licensing-consultation@middlesbrough.gov.uk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .It’s your right to claimAre you missing out on money you areentitled to? If so a new service launchedby Middlesbrough Council could help.Partners from Middlesbrough’s FinancialInclusion Group will be running thecampaign across the town to helpensure residents are claiming thecorrect benefits.Entitled “It’s your right to claim” theservice is aimed particularly at thoseon low incomes and provides freeinformation about financial helpavailable.Last year a pilot scheme helpedMiddlesbrough residents claim over£90,000 in unclaimed benefits in justone week.You can contact the service confidentiallyon the hotline 01642 802303, emailentitledto@middlesbroughcab.org.uk orvisit one of the drop in advice sessionsheld across the town.A spokesman said: “The FinancialInclusion Group feels that at a timewhen a lot of people are strugglingfinancially, it is important that theyclaim all of the benefits to which theyare entitled. The benefits system canbe complicated, and the aim of thecampaign is to help people through iteffectively.”Achieving Two Year OldsPlaying outside in the sunshine is one of the great joys of childhoodthat little Felicity Rose Heard has not been able to experience in thesame way as others her age.The Hemlington two-year-old islight sensitive and has congenitalglaucoma, which makes her averseto daylight and bright lights.The condition requires regular surgeryunder anaesthetic to relieve thepressure behind the eyes as well asgeneral day-to-day management tohold back its worst effects.When the youngster was diagnosed atjust 22-weeks-old specialists told mumSarah Heard that Felicity was the firstlittle girl they had known in 30 years tobe born with the condition.As well as the effect on her vision,the glaucoma has also had a knockon“migraine-like” effect which hasslowed down Felicity’s development inareas such as speech.But with the treatment and speechtherapy, as well as her own knowledgeof when she needs to rest andwhich glasses help her in which lightconditions, the toddler is makingstrong progress.Sarah, who is also mum to eightyear-oldPaige, a pupil of Viewley HillPrimary School, also praised the roleplayed by Felicity’s nursery and itsstaff.Thanks to the Two Year Offer Felicityattends the Stainsby Nursery, for 15hours each week and enjoys playingand learning with the other children,helping her to get ready for schoolnursery.“It’s a big help and has really broughther on,” said Sarah. “I previously onlyhad Felicity in one day a week forrespite which was funded throughDisability Matters.“Now with the Two Year Offer and withthe eligibility of that changing recentlyI can put her in for 15 hours instead.“The staff are great with her and theyhave a soft play area and a sensoryroom and even an area where shecan go to sleep if she is having a‘bad day’.“They know she is light sensitive andthey are flexible with her. They work toher needs and try her with things.”To find out if you qualify call Familyinformation Service on (01642) 354200The best time to apply is two monthsbefore your child’s free place could start.You can pick up an application form atyour nearest Children’s Centre.Your two-year-old mightbe entitled to receivefree childcareIn order to apply your family MUST meet one of the following criteria• Receive Working Tax credits and haveannual gross earnings of no more than£16,190 per year• Child Tax Credit ONLY - Income below£16,190• Receive Income Support• Receive Income Based JobseekersAllowance• Receive Income Related Employmentand Support Allowance (JSA)If you meet any of the criteria listed call:Family Information Service, Middlesbrough01642 354200• Receive Guaranteed Element of StatePension Credit• Receive support through Part 6 of theImmigration and Asylum Act 1999• If the child has a current Statement ofSpecial Education Needs (SEN) or anEducation, Health and Care Plan• If the child attracts Disability LivingAllowance• If the child has left care through aSpecial Guardianship Order or throughan Adoption or Residence Orderto confirm youreligibility6 lovemiddlesbrough magazinelovemiddlesbrough magazine7