Access to Advice Project

ATA is a city wide project initiated by Garston Citizens Advice Bureau in partnership with Anfield Citizens Advice Bureau and Toxteth Citizens Advice Bureau.

The project provides advice, information and representation to clients, who are experiencing mental distress and it is pro-active towards three priority groups: people entering or maintaining employment or training; homeless and transient people; black and minority ethnic groups including refugees and asylum seekers. The service is free, independent, impartial and confidential. The projects focus is on ensuring the above client groups have access to the advice and information needed to fully access the services available to them.

The focus is on income maximisation with particular reference to welfare benefits, debt and housing. The service covers advice, information, negotiation with third parties and representation at Court / Tribunals.

There are three caseworkers have who are based in the Citizens Advice Bureaux of, Garston, Toxteth and Anfield. The project, which started in May 2003, is delivered in a variety of ways, day centres, places of work and home visits.

The service has been set up in response to research, which identified that people with poor mental health, failed in significant numbers, to obtain their full entitlement to benefits and services available to them. This dedicated and targeted service will enhance the income and therefore the quality of life of a significant number of people.

Currently, clients can only access the service through referral from partner agencies and Day Centres.

Referrals are sent to the appropriate worker and appointments are arranged at a suitable venue. If necessary home visits are arranged.