24 February 2010 Mole Valley case worker helps residents deal with over £176,000 of debts

Last modified 24/02/10 at 15:24

The service, which is funded by Mole Valley Housing Association, offers independent advice and support over and above the work that the association already carries out to help residents manage their money.

Janet, who works independently of the housing association, has helped sixteen people who were in substantial rent arrears by giving advice on how to prepare budgets so that they can take control of their situation. She has also guided several residents through the process of claiming benefits they are due, which resulted in them receiving large sums in back payments and ongoing entitlement.

Janet Blair said: “It’s still early days but we can already show some great results which is fantastic. I really like my job and try to spend as much time as needed with each person. I enjoy meeting different people, giving them the support they need and helping the residents through some difficult times.”

Mole Valley Housing Association, part of leading housing provider Circle Anglia, joined forces with the Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) to start the new advice service last year for the residents of the 3,500 homes that it manages across the area. Janet can meet residents at the housing associations offices by the main station in Dorking, or at the CAB offices, or at residents’ homes if necessary.

Glynis Gatenby, Head of Housing Services for Mole Valley Housing Association, said: “We are really happy about having Janet as part of the team and this project is a great example of joint working. Our residents are at the heart of everything we do and this service is enhancing people’s Life Chances. We hope to see many more people coming to see Janet and receiving the support they need.”

Anne Haigh, Leatherhead and Dorking CAB Manager, said: “We are very pleased with the way this project is going. Janet has advised clients with £54,867 of priority debts like rent arrears or council tax arrears and £121,416 of non priority debts such as credit cards and loans. In many cases clients’ ability to cope with their situation has much improved through having timely and practical advice on how to deal with these problems and negotiate payment plans with their creditors.”

Residents can contact Janet Blair by speaking to their Area Housing Manager or through the CAB offices at:

Dorking CAB
Lyons Court, Dorking, RH4 1AB
01306 876805

Leatherhead CAB
The Georgian House, Swan Mews,
High Street, Leatherhead, KT22 8AE
01372 375522

For further information please contact Maike Riedel at the Circle Anglia press office on 0845 234 0824 or email pressoffice@circleanglia.org.