Urgent Call to Save VAEF Benefits Advice Service

The Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF) Benefits Advice service, a lifeline for thousands of housebound residents in the Epping Forest District, faces potential closure. This invaluable service has been instrumental in helping vulnerable individuals claim their rightful benefits and entitlements, ensuring they can live with dignity and independence. Without this critical support, many residents risk being left unsupported, isolated and unable to access the financial assistance they desperately need.

From April 2015 to March 2024, VAEF Benefits Advice has:

· Advised and supported 2,311 housebound residents.

· Secured £3,258,174.36 in annual benefits for claimants.

· Assisted with Council Tax reductions, Blue Badge applications, Pension Credit, and Housing Benefits.

The service has transformed lives, as demonstrated by these heartwarming case studies:

Mr HJ, 84: Struggling with severe arthritis, a knee replacement, and mobility issues, Mr HJ and his wife were supported to apply for Attendance Allowance. This enabled them to afford taxis for shopping and medical appointments, eliminating the stress of inaccessible public transport.

Miss M: Suffering from polymyalgia, spondylitis, anxiety, and depression, Miss M was overwhelmed by the prospect of completing a Personal Independence Payment application. VAEF’s assistance ensured her application was successful, empowering her to afford taxis for essential trips and social visits.

Mrs B: Living with severe osteoarthritis, Mrs B was unable to manage her home or shop independently. With VAEF’s help, she was awarded Attendance Allowance, allowing her to hire a gardener, use taxis for shopping, and employ help for household tasks. She now feels in control of her life and enjoys a vastly improved quality of life.

A referrer to the service shared:

'The VAEF benefits' service really makes a difference to the service users we refer in. Our team supports people from the point of diagnosis. The benefits system can seem overwhelming, and VAEF provide those referred to them an understanding, knowledgeable, and practical way, ensuring that they can access the benefits and support they're entitled to. This in turn enables them to live well with their diagnosis by keeping active in the community, accessing services and local partners such as activity groups, support groups, and being able to take part in activities in the local area. This benefits not only the person living with the diagnosis but also their carers. VAEF have also provided insight, clarification, and knowledge to our dementia advisers when they come across situations regarding benefits that they're unsure about. The VAEF team are responsive and provide information in a way that is person-centred to the team. With local knowledge and close working partnerships with ourselves and other organisations such as NHS Social Prescribers, VAEF also refer into these services, ensuring that the local EFDC population are supported in whatever their situation.'

In the face of soaring energy costs, rising food prices, and increasing household bills, the VAEF Benefits Advice service has never been more crucial. Many residents, particularly those with disabilities or long-term health conditions, are struggling to make ends meet. The service ensures they receive the financial support they are entitled to, helping them cover essential costs and maintain a basic standard of living. Without this support, thousands of vulnerable residents could fall further into financial hardship, exacerbating the already dire impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

The potential closure of this service would leave thousands of residents without the guidance and support they rely on to navigate complex benefit systems. VAEF Benefits Advice has not only secured vital financial assistance but has also restored independence, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

We urge the community, local authorities and stakeholders to come together to ensure this essential service continues to operate. The loss of VAEF Benefits Advice would have a devastating impact on the most vulnerable in our district.

For more information about VAEF Benefit Guidance or to talk to us about potential sponsorship, please call 07835 310 550 / 01992 910701, email [email protected] / [email protected] or visit our webpage www.vaef.org.uk.

In the event that the crowdfunding target is not met, all donations received will be allocated to the general operational costs of Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF), ensuring continued support for our vital community services.