Springboard customers on benefits or low incomes may be eligible
for provision of services and discount schemes including low cost
travel in London and low cost furniture. These services are
provided by
Genesis Community who are the charitable arm
of the Genesis Housing Group and can offer an in-house Financial
Inclusion service to our customers (including customers within
other parts of the Genesis Housing Group).
The service is currently provided by the Financial Inclusion
Officer Bob Butler based at Springboard House. Here is a summary
of the services available:
> Want
an easy way to open up a bank account?
Genesis community offers assistance to Springboard customers who
wish to open a bank account. If you have a Post Office card
account, now is the time to upgrade to a basic bank
account. All you need to do is:
- Fill out a short application form
- Provide two suitable types of documentation for identification
(must be the originals). e.g. utility bill (gas, water,
electricity) and a benefits entitlement letter, passport or full,
new style, driving licence.
The service is free and 100% confidential. You can set up
monthly payments for bills and may get a discount too. Bob will
offer assistance in opening a suitable account.
>
Interested in good quality low cost furniture?
This is a recycling project Genesis Community are
involved in. If you are Springboard customer on benefits or a low
income, then you may qualify. It doesn't cost you a penny to find
out more and you are under no obligation to buy. To access the
furniture re-use project, you will
need to:
- Answer a few questions concerning income and personal
circumstances.
- If you are eligible (on a low income) you will be given details
of the nearest furniture re-use project(s) and sent a referral
form (if the organisation require one) so you can purchase the
furniture or white goods you need.
- A customer can also donate goods to these furniture
projects.
>
Money Management Support
This is a free, confidential support and advice service offering
financial information. Our aim is to assist customers so you can
make informed decisions about your finances, to maximise your
income and develop an action plan for reducing financial
hardship.
- A Financial Statement can be drawn up based on a customer's
income and expenditure. This statement has been drawn up by the
British Bankers Association and is recognised by most
creditors.
- The Statement can then be submitted to a Housing Officer and /
or creditors if required, with a request to draw up a realistic
and affordable repayment plan.
- It may be possible to act on a customer's behalf as
intermediary and suggest ways to deal with creditors.
Please note: Help available will
depend on the volume of enquiries.
All services can be offered over the phone, by post or via email
for full confidentiality. If you wish to make further enquiries
about any of the services mentioned above, please contact
Bob Butler on 020 8548 2164 or
07740 022 486. Alternatively you can email him at
rbutler@springboardha.org.uk