Don't suffer in silence this New Year, seek help with LCDI

Limavady Community Development Initiative is urging people to seek help with their problems this New Year. January is typically a busy time of year for the group, which is contracted by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, with financial assistance from the Department for Communities to provide advice services in Limavady and the surrounding areas. This month the Advice Centre and the main LCDI reception are moving to the opposite side of the old hospital building in Limavady. The new space will provide fresh offices for staff and a dedicated client self-help area in the waiting room. The services are provided free of charge to the public, with advisors on hand to offer guidance on a range of issues including debt, employment, consumer issues, tax and housing. But it is issues surrounding welfare benefits which most people seek help about, accounting for approximately 65% of all enquiries. Clients often present with heart-breaking stories with many saying the guidance they receive has saved their lives. Speaking about the facility, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey, said: “I would urge anyone in need of advice to make use of this facility, which is provided free of charge. The public can be assured they are benefiting from a confidential service which is entirely impartial. We are pleased to be in a position to support this local service which is dedicated to assisting our communities. The advice organisations across the Borough provide an invaluable service by helping local people find a way forward whatever problem they face. We cannot underestimate the difference they make to the lives of local people.” This New Year, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is calling on people to take the first step and ask for help. There are a range of ways to get in touch, including by appointment, through the web site www.citizensadvice.org.uk/nireland and home visits (dependent upon client circumstances). Specialist Advisors are available to assist local people with tribunal representation and debt intervention. Advisors based in Limavady can be contacted by ringing 028 777 65438 and pressing "1" for Advice, where they will can speak to you by telephone or make an appointment to see you in person. The telephone Advice Line service is open to deal with all your advice queries from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Wednesday, 9.30am to 7pm every Thursday and 9.30am to 3.30pm every Friday. The Advice Centre operates an outreach scheme in community centres in rural and outlying areas of the former Limavady Borough. Outreach schedules can vary so check the Facebook page or give them a call to enquire when they will next be in your area. LCDI also operates a drop in triage service on Monday and Thursday mornings between 9.30am and 12.30pm. Further advice services are also available in Dungiven, where Glenshane Community Development Group is subcontracted by LCDI. The advisors, based in Glenshane House on Main Street, have a wealth of experience, including immigration advice specialists qualified through the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). Glenshane House offers both a drop-in and telephone service along with pre-booked appointments. Home visits are available for those confined to their homes. The service is open from 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday and appointments can be made by ringing 028 777 42494.