People living in ‘inner’ west Leeds can benefit from free and confidential advice on money, employment and housing issues thanks to a new service.
The ‘generalist’ advice service offers help with debt and money issues, submitting forms, benefits, tax credits, problems at work, housing issues, family matters and budgeting.
The service is run by Burley-based support organisation Better Leeds Communities, and is available to people living in Armley, Bramley & Stanningley and Kirkstall electoral wards.
Advisors are based in the Burley Lodge Centre, and run outreach advice sessions on Mondays at New Wortley Community Centre, Wednesday at Kirkstall Valley Development Trust at St Stephen’s Church Hall and Thursday at Bramley Community Hub, Hough Lane. Sessions are also available on the phone and via video call.
Debt Advice Supervisor Simon Kendall said: “These free and confidential sessions only started in June and have already picked up a lot of interest in the community as people continue to face issues connected to the cost of living, money, employment, housing and debt.
“These services are very much in demand.”
To book a time and day, call 0113 2754142 or e-mail advice@betterleeds.org.uk.
The advice service has been supported by the council’s Inner West Community Committee.
One Burley, 170 voices and other projects
Better Leeds is based at the Burley Lodge Centre, on Burley Lodge Road, and offers a variety of groups and support services for the community.
The 1 Burley: 170 Voices project supports people living in Burley to build a sustainable movement by them taking a lead in developing and delivering community activities bringing people together. The ‘170 voices’ element comes from the number of different languages spoken in Leeds.
One of the spin offs is the Burley Local History Group, which is looking at the history of Burley between 1890 and 1990.
Mel Thomas, Better Leeds community project manager, said: “It started as a social group, coming together to share memories of Burley in the past. The group is now looking to capture these stories and are working on a project to share stories from 1890 to 1990 with the wider community.
“We’re supporting them with digital and research skills and space to come and connect with others. We aim to encourage people to get involved in community activity.”
If you live in Burley or the surrounding area and are interested, contact info@betterleeds.org.uk or tel 0113 275 4142 for a chat about how you can take part and lead events to support the community.
More information about taster sessions, courses, events and family activities can be found on the Better Leeds website and you can follow their socials.
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