VOLUNTEERS at Crosspoint, the local community support centre, have said they are here to assist people who need help or advice following the rising cost of living. The charity helps local people with filling out forms, finding a new job and even counselling.
Chair of Crosspoint, Kevin Fairman, said, “With the rising cost of living, changes to National Insurance rates and further energy price rises on the way, it is likely that times are going to get tougher for many local people.
“Crosspoint is a local charity staffed by volunteers and set up +10 years ago to support people in the community. We are based in the Market Place in Westbury and are open three half days each week but can also arrange home visits if you are not able to travel. We are here to help!
“Would you like someone to support you with completing any of the following government forms: Blue Badge applications, Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit registration and updates, Pension Credit and also just to help you understand the benefits that you are entitled to.
“In Wiltshire, 26% of people who challenge an initial decision by the Department of Work & Pensions receive the benefits they had claimed after just one stage in the appeals process. Of the people who were forced to go as far as a formal tribunal with their benefit claims, 78% are then successful.”
Crosspoint can also provide support with things like CV preparation, job searches, Winter Fuel Payments, and formal responses to communications you may have received.
“We also provide a counselling service for adults and young people which is free of charge”, Kevin added. “Waiting times are currently six to eight weeks, but we are currently looking to recruit more counsellors as the demand for the service has increased significantly in the last couple of years.
“So please feel free to get in touch with us if you would like support with any of the above. We are always on the lookout for volunteers too!”
Crosspoint is open for drop-in sessions on Mondays 2.30pm to 5pm, Wednesdays 2.30pm to 5pm and Saturdays 10am to 12.30pm. If you’d like to volunteer at Crosspoint, you can contact Kevin on email at info@crosspoint-westbury.co.uk or call 01373 824 330.
If you are in need of food:
Crosspoint also works closely with the Westbury Foodbank which is run by Westbury Area Network (WAN). If you are in need of food, text your details to 07780 072 619 and the group can arrange an emergency food parcel and support you to get a referral for regular food support.
The WAN is open Monday to Thursday 10am to 12pm at the Westbury Community Project (WCP) on Eden Vale Road.
Westbury Community Fridge is also available to anyone, regardless of circumstance, with the aim to reduce waste to landfill by giving away food items for free. The community fridge is supported by Westbury Area Network volunteers and is run 10.30 to 12pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the WCP on Eden Vale Road. For more details visit www. westburyareanetwork.org
