Chelmsford

Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service

Help and advice for employers and employees.

National fraud and cyber crime reporting centre.

Advicenow provides clear, step-by-step, user-friendly practical guides, and 'top picks' from the rest of the web, to help you manage life's legal problems.

Advicenow guides are easy-to-read and practical. They explain what you need to know, where you need to go, and what you need to do to solve your problem.

Offer independent, qualified advocacy support across a range of issues for residents of Essex

Benefit referral (only for DLA or ESA issues and after checking with a supervisor)

The country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life.

Open Road

Helping families recover from the effects of drug and alcohol addiction.

Alzheimer’s Society

National and local Dementia Helplines.

Your policing questions answered.

British Banking Association leaflet

A guide to help you if you need to settle the banking affairs of someone who has died.

Counsellors specialising in working with problem gambling.

BACP is the professional association for members of the counselling professions in the UK. We exist for one simple reason - counselling changes lives.

Free, impartial and confidential debt advice to small businesses and the self-employed.

Grants for young people

Cafcass stands for Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service.

Cafcass represents children in family court cases in England. We put children’s needs, wishes and feelings first, making sure that children’s voices are heard at the heart of the family court setting, and that decisions are made in their best interests.

ESA50

How care needs assessment works / do I have to pay for care services?

My Home Life Essex Community Association

Network of agents and volunteers who support older people and informal carers to find and develop independent living solutions from within their local community.

Help with utility bills. Charis support those who are struggling to pay their bills or have other essential needs.

Online list of local charities

Domestic abuse

Churches Homeless Emergency Support Scheme
CHESS seeks to relieve homelessness and related hardship and distress amongst single adults in Chelmsford and Essex, through the provision of support services and temporary accommodation.

Support voluntary organisations in Chelmsford Borough.

People come to Chelmsford Counselling Foundation (CCF) for many reasons – for example as a result of depression, anxiety, loneliness, difficulty in facing life’s circumstances or relationship difficulties.  For some, memories about the past, painful events in the present or worries about the future may mean they cannot enjoy life or live it in the way they would wish.

Opportunities for anyone who would like to volunteer.

Help with job searches, CVs, Universal Job Match etc.

Our calculator can give you an indication of the amount that you could expect to pay or receive.

Please click on the name of the Local CA you require below - you will be taken to each of their appropriate referral points.

Benefit referral

Update Feb 2017 CLS is no longer accepting new clients see here: http://www.communitylegal.co.uk/

ESA and PIP help and representation, by qualified lawyers.

COMPASS is funded by Essex County Council in partnership with the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex to support victims of domestic abuse across Southend, Essex and Thurrock.

It will help women, men and young people aged over 16 to access specialist support including community-based services and specialist accommodation to help them recover and move on from domestic abuse.

Complaints about Citizens Advice service.

Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline

Children’s Legal Centre

Providing legal information and representation on all issues of the law relating to children and young people.

They provide specialist advice and information on child, family and education law to parents, carers and young people.

Contact your local Councillor or MP.

Crisis is a charity for single homeless people.

Internet Matters
A not-for-profit organisation that’s purpose is to help keep children safe in the digital world.

Support for families facing dementia

Local disability information and advice

The Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge, is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.

Open Road

Helping families recover from the effects of drug and alcohol addiction.

Information required for Pro Bono Employment appointment

Advice on heating and hot water and grants for boiler replacement for those on a low income.

Benefits calculator

Pest control, street problems, contaminated land, air quality, dogs, noise and nuisance, food hygiene and water drainage.

Benefit referral (only for DLA or ESA issues and after checking with a supervisor).

Offer independent, qualified advocacy support across a range of issues for residents of Essex.

General organisation run by and for the disabled people providing a wide range of support, information, advice and guideline services.

Offer a financial management service. Will take care of transactions if person no longer has capacity to do this. There is a cost of £640 to set up and then a further £600 per year if the person has > £16k or 3% of the total if a person has < £16k. Requires a local contact / neighbour to take care of daily spending money.

A group of accredited mediators to help clients communicate effectively, discuss practical matters and reach agreement.

Domestic abuse

Dedicated domestic abuse (non emergency) number.

Access to local records and archives

A charity providing holistic support to families of children with disabilities and special needs.

Was Essex Children’s Information Services.

Offers free and impartial advice for parents about finding childcare, the free early education entitlement and other family services for 0-19 year olds (and individuals up to 25 years with Special Education Needs).

A charity offering a range of advice on pregnancy, pre-schooling problems, problems at school, bullying, general family issues and divorce and separation.

Info required for Pro Bono Family appointment

Bereavement service.

All other referrals to Farleigh to go via GP.

We were set up by Parliament to resolve individual complaints between financial businesses and their customers. We can look into problems involving most types of money matters - from payday loans to pensions, pet insurance to PPI. If we decide someone's been treated unfairly, we have legal powers to put things right.

Report, view, or discuss local problems (like graffiti, fly tipping, broken paving slabs, or street lighting)

https://chelmsford.foodbank.org.uk/ for general information about foodbanks.

See also Homeless for info on access to food.

FRU provides representation in employment and social security hearings. We only take cases from our referral agencies and cannot guarantee representation.

Note: Chelmsford CA is a referral agency.

Cease funding communications from Charities.

A member of the public can now visit the website and submit a request to cease communication from a specific charity or charities of their choice. More vulnerable members of the public, or for those without access to the internet, can call 0300 3033 517.

Visas and immigration

Heads Up (which in Essex is operated by Enable east) is a scheme that helps people with mental health issues into work.

Health in Mind offers a range of different options for supporting you including; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Guided Self-Help (GSH), counselling, workshops and courses. Your initial assessment will assist with identifying the most appropriate option for you.

Self referral for mental health issues.

Can help about:

• Health and care services near you.
• How to access the support and advice they need.
• What to do if you have a concern or complaint.
• How to share feedback about services.

Advice / support for various hearing aids and trial equipment loan.

Mid Essex Highways
To report highway defects including street and traffic lights, congestion or road safety concerns.

Contact HMRC for information about eligibility, claiming and stopping Child Benefit, changing your personal details and making a complaint.

Have your National Insurance number with you when you call.

Home improvement and handyperson service providers are local organisations dedicated to helping older people, people with disabilities, and vulnerable people to live in safety and with dignity in their own homes.

Home Start Essex is a charity that supports families with pre-school age children.

Where food is available during the day…

Details and map for giving to clients.

Reporting homeless people, night shelters etc. etc.

Find out if you can claim and how much you might get.

A variety of factsheets produced by NHAS (National Homelessness Advisory Service), homelessness, eviction, disrepair etc. etc.

Provide information to members and others on domestic and European immigration, asylum and nationality law

Offering regular friendly contact and a strong campaigning voice, Independent Age can provide you and your family with clear, free and impartial advice on the issues that matter: care and support, money and benefits, health and mobility.
A charity founded over 150 years ago, we’re independent so you can be.

Dedicated to improving the emotional well-being and opportunities of young people and young adults with disabilities, primarily learning disabilities/difficulties and autism.

You can usually claim JSA online, but the online application service is temporarily unavailable. Claim by phone instead.

More and more people need our assistance to tackle injustices, that endanger their homes, livelihoods or loved ones. Law Centres can now only assist 1 in 3 people who contact us.

Find a solicitor.

A charity working in England and Wales to connect volunteer lawyers with people in need of legal advice, who are not eligible for legal aid and cannot afford to pay and with the not-for-profit organisations that support them.

Simple, accessible, affordable justice for all.

A Law Society initiative.

Chelmsford Library

Mon 10:00 - 12:00: Legal support
Tue   10:00 - 12:00: Parental support
Wednesdays once a month topic varies
Thu 10:00 -12:00: Budget and money support.

Information not validated see https://www.facebook.com/118429971646440/posts/1434702936685797/

Check if you can get it.

Civil and criminal legal aid and advice in England and Wales.

Lenderhand is a charity that provides families and individuals living in Essex with assistance by paying for goods or services that they could not otherwise afford, providing a helping hand through the challenging periods of their lives.

Library service and assistance with specialist information

Furniture and White Goods Re-Use Organisation.

The Living Well website aims to help Essex people take care of their health and well-being, manage health conditions, and find information about support and services in the local area. We also provide information on benefits and finances, staying safe, and tips on staying healthy and active.

Find local authority by postcode.

Domestic abuse for men.

We specialise in helping couples build and sustain strong, fulfilling, healthy relationships, and in providing support in times of relationship difficulty.

Why? Because better relationships make for better lives, more stable families and a stronger society.

We’re ready to help, whatever your circumstances.

Through our free legal advice helpline, we assist parents and carers in tackling complex issues around employment rights and benefits for families. We give employers the tools and guidance they need to support their employees while creating a flexible, high-performing workforce. And we advocate on behalf of the UK’s 13 million working parents, influencing policy through campaigns informed by ground-breaking research.

Rights and entitlements during pregnancy, maternity leave and returning to work.

"Our vision is a world where people with a learning disability are valued equally, listened to and included"

For advice on a whole range of issues, social care, employment, housing, leisure, finances, personal support, support living services, wills and trusts and short breaks.

Handles claims against uninsured and untraced motorists and endeavours to settle them fairly and promptly.

Mental health charity

Meadows Shop Mobility

Hire of mobility scooters and other aids to assist shopping in Chelmsford

Free and impartial money advice, set up by the Government.

Loan sharks are illegal moneylenders who often charge very high interest rates. You can check if a company is authorised to lend money and report loan sharks anonymously.

Contact or find your MP or local Councillor.

Helping families in conflict, especially those divorcing or separating.

National Homelessness Advice Service - Not public facing.
Provides advice to housing professionals, voluntary agencies and local Citizens Advice.

Patient Experience Team

Confidential advice about how to use the NHS and how to complain.

Patient Advice & Liaison Department

Lasting Power of Attorney
Forms and guidance

Housing related issues.

One Support provides a free service to people living within the community who may be struggling with housing related issues. Our aim is to help you maintain your tenancy, increase your life skills and to live more independently.

Helping families recover from the effects of drug and alcohol addiction.

Free Debt help.

A quick guide to Pension Credit entitlement, and links to an (anonymous) calculator.

General pension queries and complaints

Free and impartial government guidance to help you understand what you can do with your pension pot.

Support for County Court litigants.

Charges to special numbers.

POhWER delivers information, advice, support and advocacy services throughout England.

Benefit Calculator

Find postcode for an address or, a reverse search, find an address by postcode.

How to obtain probate leaflet

For temporary supply of equipment (walking aids / wheelchairs) – generally for 4 – 6 weeks then must return.

Red Cross Hardship fund (June 2020)

The Red Cross is administering a hardship fund which provides short term help for clients for up to a maximum of 3 months. After an initial misunderstanding over how to refer clients for help, we have now established that clients can contact the administrator, details provided by us, directly or with their consent we can pass their details on. Details of the fund are at https://hardshipfund.redcross.org.uk/

If you think this may be a suitable for a client, please see your supervisor.

Domestic abuse for women and children.

Supporting refugees

We’re the UK's largest provider of relationship support, and every year we help over a million people of all ages, backgrounds and sexual orientations to strengthen their relationships.

Renew offers a wide range of high-quality, affordable and effective counselling and therapy services for children, adults, couples and a school service.

Schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, personality disorders

Research Institute for Consumer Affairs

Consumer research focussing specifically on issues of concern to disabled and older consumers. RICA was founded through Consumers Association, publishers of Which? but is now an independent charity.

Supporting people with sight loss.

They have an outreach in the library on Thursdays and offer advice in welfare benefits, debt, immigration, housing, discrimination, employment, and family law.

They also have connections with a deaf solicitor if a case needs further legal advice and the matter requires legal proceedings to be instigated.

Support for the Armed Forces

Domestic Abuse.

Scope is a charity that exists to make this country a place where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else.

Soldiers, Sailors and Families Association, Armed Forces Charity.

Helping people overcome their debt problems.

To advise Homeless organisations (CHESS etc.) about someone sleeping rough so they can be offered support.

Support for County Court litigants.

Domestic abuse.

Essex Partnership of Essex of Rape Crisis Centres.

Tax Aid

TaxAid advises only those people on low incomes whose problems cannot be resolved with HMRC, information online for others.

People on low incomes need their taxes to be as simple as possible. Our aim is to persuade politicians and HM Revenue & Customs to make the tax system easier and fairer for all while making tax and tax credit information available to those who are unable to afford professional advice.

Chelmsford office – Essex County Council, Trading Standards, CG32 County Hall, Market Road, Chelmsford CM1 1QH

A charity that helps people in financial hardship gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services.

Providing a range of dementia products, services and advice to improve the lives of those affected by dementia, Alzheimer’s and memory loss.

This site will help you understand what Universal Credit means for you. If you want to go straight to making a claim for Universal Credit visit gov.uk/universal-credit

From the weekly briefing 18 Feb 2019...

We are going live with the phone and webchat service this week. 

Please note the phone number is different from the ones for Adviceline and the government UC helpline.  It is on the signposting list for information, anyone phoning on Adviceline or the general main line who needs help with a new claim should be directed to 0800 144 8444. 

Prisoners advice.

A charity for people with convictions by providing information, advice and support to overcome the stigma of their previous convictions.

St Martin’s-in-the-fields administers the above fund which makes grants to individuals in need. This is not limited to a geographic area and is intended for the whole community. There are no eligibility requirements on the basis of gender, age, origin, status, ethnic group, or faith. For clients in need of financial help – for example in a crisis, or to help set up home when they have previously been homeless.

For people affected by crime or traumatic events to get the support they need and the respect they deserve.

Opportunities for anyone who would like to volunteer.

Chelmsford City Council Emergency Planning.

To speed up processes, evacuation etc. in the event of an emergency.

This page gives you an idea of the kind of information it’s useful to bring with you. If you haven’t got everything that’s shown, don’t worry – bring as much as you can find.

Work Routes helps unemployed people find and sustain employment. Our free service enables jobseekers to improve their skills and employability and create a personal plan to find the right job for them.

Through our free legal advice helpline, we assist parents and carers in tackling complex issues around employment rights and benefits for families. We give employers the tools and guidance they need to support their employees while creating a flexible, high-performing workforce. And we advocate on behalf of the UK’s 13 million working parents, influencing policy through campaigns informed by ground-breaking research.